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Pediatric constipation therapy using guidelines and polyethylene glycol 3350

Edward A Bell1, Geoffrey C Wall

  • 1College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311-4505, USA. ed.bell@drake.edu

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) is an effective treatment for pediatric functional constipation. This medication is well-tolerated and recommended as an adjunct to behavioral training for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

  • Functional constipation is a prevalent condition in children.
  • Various medications are used, but few have undergone rigorous clinical trials.
  • Current guidelines suggest osmotic laxatives or mineral oil for maintenance therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review guidelines for treating pediatric functional constipation.
  • To emphasize the role of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) in treatment.
  • To assess PEG 3350's efficacy and tolerability in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of primary medical articles (MEDLINE, 1980-May 2003).
  • Assessment and comparison of recently published treatment guidelines.
  • Evaluation of clinical trials on PEG 3350 in pediatric subjects.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) solution demonstrates effectiveness as a maintenance treatment for pediatric constipation.
  • Clinical studies show PEG 3350 to be a well-tolerated option.
  • Consensus guidelines support osmotic laxatives, mineral oil, or combinations for maintenance.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) is a recommended treatment for pediatric constipation.
  • It is particularly effective when used alongside education and behavioral training.
  • PEG 3350 offers an alternative for patients unresponsive or intolerant to other therapies.
Abstract

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