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New pharmacological treatment options for chronic constipation
1University of Leuven, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders , Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven , Belgium.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|March 26, 2014
Summary
New medications like prucalopride and linaclotide show promise for chronic constipation. This review examines their efficacy and safety, alongside emerging treatments and traditional options like PEG.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Several novel medications, including lubiprostone, prucalopride, and linaclotide, have proven more effective than placebo for chronic constipation.
- Traditional laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) are also being re-evaluated.
- Emerging treatments include plecanatide and elobixibat, targeting different pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of prucalopride, linaclotide, plecanatide, and elobixibat.
- To discuss their potential clinical applications in chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
- To consider the role of PEG in light of recent literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pharmacological treatments for constipation.
- Analysis of efficacy and safety data for selected novel agents.
- Evaluation of current and future clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Prucalopride, linaclotide, plecanatide, and elobixibat demonstrate significant efficacy in treating chronic constipation.
- These agents offer distinct pharmacological mechanisms for managing constipation.
- Safety profiles are generally favorable, supporting their clinical use.
Conclusions:
- Prucalopride, linaclotide, plecanatide, and elobixibat hold significant potential for treating chronic constipation and IBS-C.
- Further research and clinical experience will refine their therapeutic roles.
- Polyethylene glycol remains a relevant option, with ongoing research informing its optimal use.
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