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Constipation in long-term care.

Syed H Tariq1

  • 1Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. Tariqsh@slu.edu

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
|May 15, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Constipation management in older adults is complex due to varying definitions and treatment challenges. Osmotic laxatives and lubiprostone show promise for effective, well-tolerated relief in this population.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Constipation is prevalent in older adults, leading to significant healthcare utilization.
  • Discrepancies exist between patient and physician definitions of constipation.
  • Untreated constipation can result in severe complications, including impaction and death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and safety of various laxative treatments for constipation in older adults.
  • To identify optimal management strategies for chronic constipation in geriatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on laxative use and effectiveness in older adults.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for specific agents, including lubiprostone.

Main Results:

  • Stool softeners show limited efficacy.
  • Osmotic laxatives and psyllium (bulk laxative) are effective and well-tolerated.
  • Lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator, demonstrates safety and efficacy in treating chronic constipation, particularly for severe cases and recurrent impaction.

Conclusions:

  • Osmotic laxatives and lubiprostone are effective options for managing constipation in older adults.
  • Further large-scale trials are needed to establish cost-effective constipation management protocols in nursing homes.

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