[Treatment of constipation in the palliative care phase]

Constipation is a common problem with a considerable negative impact on quality of life in patients who receive palliative care. Over 35% of patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer have constipation. In the palliative phase constipation often has multiple causes. Treatment of constipation consists of both medical treatment with laxatives and non-medical treatment. A specific recommendation for the use of laxatives cannot be made because of the lack of comparative trials. The choice of what laxative to use can only be made on the basis of clinical experience, mechanism of action, personal preference of the patient and costs. Prophylactic use of laxatives is indicated to prevent constipation when initiating constipation inducing medication such as opioids. In treatment-resistant constipation prucalopride, colchicine or misoprostol may be effective. Opioid-antagonists such as naloxone and methylnaltrexone are effective in patients with persistent opioid-induced constipation despite the use of laxatives.