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Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

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Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
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Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
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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.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

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Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
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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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Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
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Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation.

Eunice B Turawa1,2, Alfred Musekiwa3, Anke C Rohwer4

  • 1Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|August 8, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Limited evidence exists on preventing postpartum constipation. While senna may speed the first bowel movement, its effectiveness and safety are uncertain, with potential for abdominal cramps. More rigorous trials are needed.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Postpartum constipation is common, with risk factors including hemorrhoids, episiotomy pain, hormonal changes, and iron supplements.
  • Dietary fiber and fluid intake are recommended, but the efficacy and safety of interventions for prevention require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness and safety of interventions for preventing postpartum constipation.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted, searching major clinical trial registries.
  • Included trials compared pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions against placebo or no intervention in postpartum women.

Main Results:

  • Five trials (1208 mothers) were included; four compared laxatives vs. placebo, one compared laxative + bulking agent vs. laxative alone.
  • Evidence for senna (laxative) is low to very low certainty, suggesting it may increase early bowel movements but also abdominal cramps.
  • One trial on laxative plus bulking agent showed no significant difference for women with severe perineal tears, but suggested increased fecal incontinence.

Conclusions:

  • Insufficient evidence exists to conclude on the effectiveness and safety of laxatives for preventing postpartum constipation.
  • Trials were poorly reported with high risk of bias; further rigorous research is needed.
  • Future studies should evaluate educational, behavioral, and positional interventions, reporting on key outcomes like pain, constipation incidence, quality of life, and adverse effects.