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Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for chronic constipation in children: a single-centre, open-label study

Winita Hardikar1, Noel Cranswick, Ralf G Heine

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. winita.hardikar@rch.org.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 20, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes effectively treats chronic constipation in children aged 2-11 years, improving bowel movements and reducing abdominal pain. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with good tolerability in this pediatric population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacological Interventions
  • Digestive Health

Background:

  • Chronic constipation is a common condition in children.
  • Macrogol 3350-based laxatives are established for adult constipation.
  • Pediatric safety and efficacy data for Macrogol 3350 were previously limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes.
  • To assess treatment outcomes in children aged 2-11 years with chronic constipation.
  • To determine the impact on bowel movement frequency and associated symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, non-randomized study involving 78 children (2-11 years) with chronic constipation.
  • Treatment with Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for 12 weeks.
  • Assessment of spontaneous defaecations, stool form, abdominal pain, and other efficacy variables.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in spontaneous defaecations per week (P < 0.001).
  • Marked reduction in abdominal pain (P < 0.0001) and pain during defaecation (P < 0.0001).
  • Treatment was well-tolerated, with most adverse events mild and unrelated to treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric chronic constipation.
  • The preparation shows significant improvements in efficacy variables and symptom resolution.
  • High tolerability supports its use in children aged 2-11 years.
Abstract

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