Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2025

Fabrication and Implantation of Miniature Dual-element Strain Gages for Measuring In Vivo Gastrointestinal Contractions in Rodents.
09:29

Fabrication and Implantation of Miniature Dual-element Strain Gages for Measuring In Vivo Gastrointestinal Contractions in Rodents.

Published on: September 18, 2014

10.4K

High amplitude propagated contractions with Glycerin versus Bisacodyl: A within-subject comparison in children

Sherief Mansi1,2, Gracielle Bahia1,2, Dhiren Patel3

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|April 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Bisacodyl demonstrated superior efficacy over Glycerin in stimulating colonic activity, inducing longer-lasting and more frequent high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) in children. This comparison provides valuable insights for managing constipation using colonic manometry (CM).

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology and Pediatric Motility
  • Colonic Physiology and Neuromuscular Function
  • Pharmacological Stimulation of Bowel Movements

Background:

  • High amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) on colonic manometry (CM) indicate healthy colon neuromuscular function.
  • Bisacodyl and Glycerin are common colonic stimulants used to treat constipation by inducing HAPCs.
  • Previous studies have not directly compared the HAPC characteristics elicited by Bisacodyl and Glycerin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the characteristics of high amplitude propagated contractions (HAPCs) induced by Bisacodyl versus Glycerin in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of two common colonic stimulants in children undergoing colonic manometry (CM) for constipation.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, single-center, cross-over study involving 45 children (aged 2-18 years) undergoing CM.
  • All participants received both Bisacodyl and Glycerin, with a 1.5-hour interval between stimulant administration.
  • Patients were randomized into two groups based on the order of stimulant administration (Bisacodyl first or Glycerin first).

Main Results:

  • Bisacodyl induced significantly longer HAPC duration (median 40 min vs. 21.5 min) and greater propagation (median 70 cm vs. 60 cm) compared to Glycerin.
  • Bisacodyl resulted in a higher number of HAPCs (median 10 vs. 5) than Glycerin.
  • No significant differences were observed in HAPC amplitude or onset of action between the two stimulants.

Conclusions:

  • Bisacodyl is more effective than Glycerin in stimulating colonic motility, as evidenced by longer duration, greater propagation, and increased frequency of HAPCs.
  • These findings suggest differential efficacy of Bisacodyl and Glycerin in pediatric constipation management, guiding clinical choices.
  • Further research may explore the long-term outcomes and patient-reported benefits associated with each stimulant.
Abstract

Keywords:
BisacodylGlycerinchildrencolonic manometryconstipationfecal incontinencehigh amplitude propagated contractions

More Related Videos

Physiological Experimentation with the Crayfish Hindgut: A Student Laboratory Exercise10:07

Physiological Experimentation with the Crayfish Hindgut: A Student Laboratory Exercise

Published on: January 18, 2011

15.8K
Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM08:15

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM

Published on: December 1, 2010

31.0K

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

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.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
264
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

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.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
306
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

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...
245
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
268
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
481
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
330