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Lactulose versus Polyethylene Glycol for Chronic Constipation.
Heather Lee-Robichaud1, Kathryn Thomas, Jenna Morgan
1Department of General Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, England, UK, S5 7AU.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is more effective than lactulose for treating chronic constipation, improving stool frequency, consistency, and reducing abdominal pain. PEG is recommended over lactulose for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Constipation is a prevalent clinical issue.
- Lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) are common osmotic laxatives for chronic constipation.
- Comparative efficacy data between lactulose and PEG is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of lactulose versus Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in treating chronic constipation and fecal impaction.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
- Inclusion of RCTs comparing lactulose and PEG for constipation management.
- Data extraction and analysis using Cochrane Review Manager and MetaView.
Main Results:
- Meta-analysis of ten RCTs indicates Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) superiority over lactulose.
- PEG demonstrated better outcomes in stool frequency, stool form, and reduced abdominal pain.
- These benefits were observed in both adult and pediatric subgroups, with the exception of abdominal pain relief in children.
Conclusions:
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) is recommended over lactulose for managing chronic constipation.
- PEG offers superior efficacy in key symptom and outcome measures.
- Evidence supports a preference for PEG in clinical practice.
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