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Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

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Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
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Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

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Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Constipation in the elderly: management strategies.

Giancarlo Spinzi1, Arnaldo Amato, Gianni Imperiali

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Valduce Hospital, Como, Italy. gispinz@tin.it

Drugs & Aging
|July 14, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Constipation affects up to 20% of people, especially older adults. This review identifies evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing constipation in the elderly to improve quality of life.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Constipation is a prevalent disorder impacting quality of life and incurring significant economic costs.
  • Prevalence estimates vary due to differing definitions, but affect up to 20% of the population.
  • While not a normal aging consequence, constipation is more common in older adults due to decreased mobility and comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify evidence-based interventions for constipation prevention and management in the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of epidemiological studies and clinical evidence for constipation treatments.
  • Analysis of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
  • Focus on interventions suitable for the elderly population.

Main Results:

  • Dietary fiber and supplements are initial steps for simple constipation.
  • Laxatives may benefit severe cases or non-compliant patients.
  • Newer agents like tegaserod and lubiprostone show promise for chronic constipation, but require further research.

Conclusions:

  • Systematic assessment can effectively manage constipation and improve elderly patients' quality of life.
  • Evidence for many traditional treatments is unclear.
  • Further research is needed on newer agents for chronic constipation in the elderly.