Tolerance and Efficacy of Polyethylene Glycol 4000 in Elderly Patients with Chronic Constipation: A Retrospective,...

This retrospective, observational study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of polyethylene glycol 4000 plus electrolytes (PEG 4000) in elderly patients with chronic constipation.

PEG 4000 powder was orally administered once daily at a dose of one or two 6.9 g sachets as the initial dose. The outcome measures were changes in the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS) and the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) value before and 2 weeks after drug administration.

This study included 324 patients aged ≥65 years (mean age: 78.6 ± 7.6 years, range: 65-100 years) with chronic constipation. The total CCCS was noted to significantly improve from 11.5 ± 4.6 at baseline to 7.4 ± 5.2 after drug administration. All CCCS sub-scores also improved significantly. The average BSFS value at baseline (2.5 ± 1.6) significantly improved to 4.3 ± 1.1 after treatment. Side effects (16 events) were observed in 13 patients (4.0%), with the most common being diarrhea (6 patients, 1.9%). All events were mild in severity, with none of the symptoms being serious. The cumulative treatment continuation rate at 1 year was 83.1%.

PEG 4000 treatment was safe, effective, and well tolerated in elderly patients with chronic constipation. Thus, it appears to be a promising drug that can be continued for a long time.