Constipation medical therapy: Difference between revisions

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{{Constipation}}
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{{CMG}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}}{{EG}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
In people without medical problems, the main intervention is to increase the intake of fluids (preferably [[water]]) and [[dietary fiber]]. The latter may be achieved by consuming more vegetables and fruit and whole meal bread, and by adding linseeds to one's diet. The routine non-medical use of laxatives is to be discouraged as this may result in bowel action becoming dependent upon their use. Enemas can be used to provide a form of mechanical stimulation.
Chronic constipation treatment includes both [[behavioral]] and [[pharmacological]] interventions. [[Behavioral]] management mostly consists of life style and [[Dietary Management|dietary modification]], while [[pharmacological]] interventions are mostly based on [[laxatives]]. Increasing [[physical activity]] is postulated to improve constipation and colonic transit time in patients with constipation. The most important [[behavioral]] treatment for constipation is [[biofeedback]], consisting of teaching the patients how to use their [[Abdominal muscle|abdominal]] and [[Pelvic floor muscles|pelvic muscles]] during [[defecation]]. [[Probiotics]] are live [[microorganism]] [[spores]] that are given orally to improve the [[gastrointestinal tract]] function. Recently, use of [[probiotics]] in food industry is growing. ''[[Bifidobacterium]]'' and [[Lactobacillus]] are most studied [[organisms]] as [[probiotics]].
 
In alternative and traditional medicine, [[enema|colonic irrigation]], enemas, exercise, diet and herbs are used to treat constipation.


==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
Line 35: Line 33:


=== Chronic constipation management ===
=== Chronic constipation management ===
* Chronic constipation treatment includes both behavioral and pharmacological interventions.
* Chronic constipation treatment includes both [[behavioral]] and [[pharmacological]] interventions.
* Behavioral management mostly consists of life style and dietary modification, while pharmacological interventions are mostly based on laxatives.
* [[Behavioral]] management mostly consists of life style and [[Dietary Management|dietary modification]], while [[pharmacological]] interventions are mostly based on [[laxatives]].


==== Lifestyle modification ====
==== Lifestyle modification ====
* Increasing physical activity is postulated to improve constipation and colonic transit time in patients with constipation.<ref name="pmid2604760">{{cite journal |vauthors=Meshkinpour H, Kemp C, Fairshter R |title=Effect of aerobic exercise on mouth-to-cecum transit time |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=96 |issue=3 |pages=938–41 |year=1989 |pmid=2604760 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* Increasing [[physical activity]] is postulated to improve constipation and colonic transit time in patients with constipation.<ref name="pmid2604760">{{cite journal |vauthors=Meshkinpour H, Kemp C, Fairshter R |title=Effect of aerobic exercise on mouth-to-cecum transit time |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=96 |issue=3 |pages=938–41 |year=1989 |pmid=2604760 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* Moderate physical exercise as much as 32 min per day showed significant improvement of quality of life but no significant decrease in laxative need for treatment.<ref name="pmid16875507">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chin A Paw MJ, van Poppel MN, van Mechelen W |title=Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a randomized controlled trial |journal=BMC Geriatr |volume=6 |issue= |pages=9 |year=2006 |pmid=16875507 |pmc=1562427 |doi=10.1186/1471-2318-6-9 |url=}}</ref>
* Moderate [[physical exercise]] as much as 32 min per day have shown significant improvement of quality of life but no significant decrease in [[laxative]] need for treatment.<ref name="pmid16875507">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chin A Paw MJ, van Poppel MN, van Mechelen W |title=Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a randomized controlled trial |journal=BMC Geriatr |volume=6 |issue= |pages=9 |year=2006 |pmid=16875507 |pmc=1562427 |doi=10.1186/1471-2318-6-9 |url=}}</ref>
* Moderate to vigorous training (20-60 min, 3-5 times per week) revealed significant improvement in constipation symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).<ref name="pmid21206488">{{cite journal |vauthors=Johannesson E, Simrén M, Strid H, Bajor A, Sadik R |title=Physical activity improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Am. J. Gastroenterol. |volume=106 |issue=5 |pages=915–22 |year=2011 |pmid=21206488 |doi=10.1038/ajg.2010.480 |url=}}</ref>
* Moderate to vigorous training (20-60 min, 3-5 times per week) revealed significant improvement in constipation symptoms in patients with [[Irritable bowel syndrome|irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)]].<ref name="pmid21206488">{{cite journal |vauthors=Johannesson E, Simrén M, Strid H, Bajor A, Sadik R |title=Physical activity improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Am. J. Gastroenterol. |volume=106 |issue=5 |pages=915–22 |year=2011 |pmid=21206488 |doi=10.1038/ajg.2010.480 |url=}}</ref>


==== Dietary interventions ====
==== Dietary interventions ====
* Fiber supplementation is the main primary therapeutic intervention for every patients with constipation.
* [[Dietary fiber|Fiber supplementation]] is the main primary [[therapeutic]] intervention for every patients with constipation.
* The polysaccharide fibers are the agents that increase the weight of stool and and improve the stool consistency through absorbing and retaining water.<ref name="pmid19824937">{{cite journal |vauthors=Emmanuel AV, Tack J, Quigley EM, Talley NJ |title=Pharmacological management of constipation |journal=Neurogastroenterol. Motil. |volume=21 Suppl 2 |issue= |pages=41–54 |year=2009 |pmid=19824937 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01403.x |url=}}</ref>
* The [[polysaccharide]] fibers are the agents that increase the weight of [[stool]] and and improve the [[stool]] consistency by absorbing and retaining water.<ref name="pmid19824937">{{cite journal |vauthors=Emmanuel AV, Tack J, Quigley EM, Talley NJ |title=Pharmacological management of constipation |journal=Neurogastroenterol. Motil. |volume=21 Suppl 2 |issue= |pages=41–54 |year=2009 |pmid=19824937 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01403.x |url=}}</ref>
* The most common used bulking organic polysaccharide in Canada is [[Psyllium]]. Psyllium is found to significantly decrease colonic transit and improve stool consistency, as well as lactulose.<ref name="pmid8824651">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ashraf W, Park F, Lof J, Quigley EM |title=Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation |journal=Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=639–47 |year=1995 |pmid=8824651 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9891195">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dettmar PW, Sykes J |title=A multi-centre, general practice comparison of ispaghula husk with lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of simple constipation |journal=Curr Med Res Opin |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=227–33 |year=1998 |pmid=9891195 |doi=10.1185/03007999809113363 |url=}}</ref>
* The most common used bulking organic [[polysaccharide]] in Canada is [[Psyllium]].
* [[Psyllium]] and [[lactulose]] is found to significantly decrease colonic transit and improve [[stool]] consistency.<ref name="pmid8824651">{{cite journal |vauthors=Ashraf W, Park F, Lof J, Quigley EM |title=Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation |journal=Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. |volume=9 |issue=6 |pages=639–47 |year=1995 |pmid=8824651 |doi= |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid9891195">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dettmar PW, Sykes J |title=A multi-centre, general practice comparison of ispaghula husk with lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of simple constipation |journal=Curr Med Res Opin |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=227–33 |year=1998 |pmid=9891195 |doi=10.1185/03007999809113363 |url=}}</ref>


==== Biofeedback treatment ====
==== Biofeedback treatment ====
* The most important behavioral treatment for constipation is biofeedback, consisting of teaching the patients how to use their abdominal and pelvic muscles during defecation.
* The most important [[behavioral]] treatment for constipation is [[biofeedback]], consisting of teaching the patients how to use their [[Abdominal muscle|abdominal]] and [[Pelvic floor muscles|pelvic muscles]] during [[defecation]].
* During the biofeedback patients receive feedback upon their abdominal and pelvic floor muscle contractions recording by means of surface electromyogrphy (EMG).
* During the [[biofeedback]], patients receive [[feedback]] on their [[Abdominal muscle|abdominal]] and [[Pelvic floor muscles|pelvic floor muscle]] [[contractions]] recording by means of surface [[Electromyography|electromyography (EMG)]].
* Based on the biofeedback, patients are been taught how to increase intra-abdominal pressure and also relax their pelvic floor muscles to have a coordinated evacuation.<ref name="pmid20801775" />
* Based on the [[biofeedback]], patients are taught how to increase intra-abdominal pressure and also relax their [[pelvic floor muscles]] to have a coordinated evacuation.<ref name="pmid20801775" />
* Regarding the outcomes, the biofeedback behavioral therapy is the choice treatment for functional defecation disorder.<ref name="pmid16012938">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chiarioni G, Salandini L, Whitehead WE |title=Biofeedback benefits only patients with outlet dysfunction, not patients with isolated slow transit constipation |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=129 |issue=1 |pages=86–97 |year=2005 |pmid=16012938 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* Regarding the outcomes, the [[biofeedback]] behavioral therapy is the choice treatment for functional [[defecation]] disorder.<ref name="pmid16012938">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chiarioni G, Salandini L, Whitehead WE |title=Biofeedback benefits only patients with outlet dysfunction, not patients with isolated slow transit constipation |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=129 |issue=1 |pages=86–97 |year=2005 |pmid=16012938 |doi= |url=}}</ref>


==== Pharmacological intervention ====
==== Pharmacological intervention ====
Pharmacological intervention for constipation include:<ref name="urlTreatment for Constipation | NIDDK">{{cite web |url=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment |title=Treatment for Constipation &#124; NIDDK |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


===Constipation===
===Constipation===
Line 60: Line 60:
** '''1.1 Over the counter medicines'''
** '''1.1 Over the counter medicines'''
*** 1.1.1 '''''Bulk forming agents'''''
*** 1.1.1 '''''Bulk forming agents'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg PO q8-12h
****Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg [[Per os|PO]] q8-12h
****Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg PO q6-12h  
****Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg [[Per os|PO]] q6-12h  
****Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q8-24h
****Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q8-24h
****Alternative regimen (1): Metamucil 1000 mg PO q8-12h  
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Metamucil]] 1000 mg [[Per os|PO]] q8-12h  
***1.1.2 '''''Osmotic agents'''''
***1.1.2 '''''Osmotic agents'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h
****Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q6-8h
****Preferred regimen (2): Fleet Phospho-Soda 15 mL dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h  
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Fleet Bisacodyl|Fleet Phospho-Soda]] 15 mL dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q6-8h  
****Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 30-60 mL PO daily
****Preferred regimen (3): [[Milk of Magnesia]] 30-60 mL [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 34 g dissolved in 250 mL water PO daily  
****Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 34 g dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] daily  
****Alternative regimen (1): Sorbitol 30-150 mL (70% solution) once
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Sorbitol]] 30-150 mL (70% solution) once
***1.1.3 '''''Stool softeners'''''
***1.1.3 '''''Stool softeners'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Colace 100-300 mg PO daily
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Colace Glycerin Suppositories|Colace]] 100-300 mg [[Rectal|intra-rectal]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Docusate
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Docusate sodium]]: 50-300 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
*****Docusate sodium: 50-300 mg PO daily
****Preferred regimen (3): [[Docusate]] calcium: 240 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
*****Docusate calcium: 240 mg PO daily
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Surfak]] 240 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Surfak 240 mg PO daily
***1.1.4 '''''Lubricants'''''
***1.1.4 '''''Lubricants'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Fleet 19 g dissolved in 118-197 mL water PO daily
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Fleet Bisacodyl|Fleet]] 19 g dissolved in 118-197 mL water enema per [[rectum]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol
****Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol 133 mL [[enema]] per rectum once
***1.1.5 '''''Stimulants'''''
***1.1.5 '''''Stimulants'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Correctol 
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Correctol]] 5-10 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Dulcolax  
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Dulcolax Laxative|Dulcolax]] 5-15 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 30-60 mL PO daily
****Preferred regimen (3): [[Milk of Magnesia]] 30-60 mL [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Purge
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Senokot]] 100 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Senokot 
**'''1.2 Prescription medicines'''
*'''1.2 Prescription medicines'''
***1.2.1 '''''Chloride channel activators'''''
**1.2.1 '''''Chloride channel activators'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Lubiprostone]] (Amitiza) 24 mcg [[Per os|PO]] q12h with food and water
***
***1.2.2 '''''Guanylate cyclase-C agonists'''''
**1.2.2 '''''Guanylate cyclase-C agonists'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Linaclotide]] (Linzess) 145 mcg [[Per os|PO]] daily


* '''2 Pediatrics'''
* '''2 Pediatrics'''
** '''2.1 Over the counter medicines'''
** '''2.1 Over the counter medicines'''
*** 2.1.1 '''''Bulk forming agents'''''
*** 2.1.1 '''''Bulk forming agents'''''
**** Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg PO daily
**** Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
**** Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg PO daily  
**** Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily  
****Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q8-24h
****Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q8-24h
****Alternative regimen (1): Metamucil 500 mg PO q8-12h
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Metamucil]] 500 mg [[Per os|PO]] q8-12h
***1.1.2 '''''Osmotic agents'''''
***1.1.2 '''''Osmotic agents'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h
****Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q6-8h
****Preferred regimen (2): Fleet Phospho-Soda 5-10 mL dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h (not for < 5 years of age)
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Fleet Bisacodyl|Fleet Phospho-Soda]] 5-10 mL dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] q6-8h (not for < 5 years of age)
****Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 5-15 mL PO daily
****Preferred regimen (3): [[Milk of Magnesia]] 5-15 mL [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 17 g dissolved in 250 mL water PO daily   
****Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 17 g dissolved in 250 mL water [[Per os|PO]] daily   
****Alternative regimen (1): Sorbitol 2 mL/kg (as 70% solution) once  
****Alternative regimen (2): [[Sorbitol]] 2 mL/kg (as 70% solution) once  
***1.1.3 '''''Stool softeners'''''
***1.1.3 '''''Stool softeners'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Colace 100 mg PO daily
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Colace Glycerin Suppositories|Colace]] 100 mg [[Rectal|intra-rectal]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Docusate  
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Docusate]]
*****Docusate sodium
*****[[Docusate sodium]]
******< 2 years: Not recommended
******< 2 years: Not recommended
******2-12 years: 50-150 mg PO daily
******2-12 years: 50-150 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
******>12 years: 50-300 mg PO daily
******>12 years: 50-300 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
*****Docusate calcium
*****[[Docusate]] calcium
******< 12 years: Not recommended
******< 12 years: Not recommended
******>12 years: 240 mg PO daily
******>12 years: 240 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Surfak 50 mg PO q12h
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Surfak]] 50 mg [[Per os|PO]] q12h
***1.1.4 '''''Lubricants'''''
***1.1.4 '''''Lubricants'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Fleet 19 g dissolved in 118-197 mL water PO daily
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Fleet Bisacodyl|Fleet]] 9.5 g dissolved in 59 mL water [[enema]] per [[rectum]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol
****Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol 51.5 mL enema per rectum once
***1.1.5 '''''Stimulants'''''
***1.1.5 '''''Stimulants'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): Correctol 
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Correctol]] 5 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Preferred regimen (2): Dulcolax  
****Preferred regimen (2): [[Dulcolax Laxative|Dulcolax]] 5 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 30-60 mL PO daily
****Preferred regimen (3): [[Milk of Magnesia]] 15-30 mL [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Purge
****Alternative regimen (1): [[Senokot]] 50 mg [[Per os|PO]] daily
****Alternative regimen (1): Senokot 
**'''2.2 Prescription medicines'''
***2.2.1 '''''Chloride channel activators'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Lubiprostone]] (Amitiza) not approve for [[pediatrics]]
***2.2.2 '''''Guanylate cyclase-C agonists'''''
****Preferred regimen (1): [[Linaclotide]] (Linzess) not approve for [[pediatrics]]


==== Laxatives ====
=== Probiotics ===
* [[Probiotics]] are live [[microorganism]] [[spores]] that are given orally to improve the [[gastrointestinal tract]] function. Recently, use of [[probiotics]] in food industry is growing.<ref name="pmid22114754">{{cite journal| author=Liu LW| title=Chronic constipation: current treatment options. | journal=Can J Gastroenterol | year= 2011 | volume= 25 Suppl B | issue=  | pages= 22B-28B | pmid=22114754 | doi= | pmc=3206558 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22114754  }}</ref>
* ''[[Bifidobacterium]]'' and [[Lactobacillus]] are most studied [[organisms]] as [[probiotics]].<ref name="pmid20039451">{{cite journal |vauthors=Chmielewska A, Szajewska H |title=Systematic review of randomised controlled trials: probiotics for functional constipation |journal=World J. Gastroenterol. |volume=16 |issue=1 |pages=69–75 |year=2010 |pmid=20039451 |pmc=2799919 |doi= |url=}}</ref>
* It is found that [[probiotics]] significantly improve the chronic constipation [[symptoms]] in patients.<ref name="pmid20697291">{{cite journal |vauthors=Del Piano M, Carmagnola S, Anderloni A, Andorno S, Ballarè M, Balzarini M, Montino F, Orsello M, Pagliarulo M, Sartori M, Tari R, Sforza F, Capurso L |title=The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study |journal=J. Clin. Gastroenterol. |volume=44 Suppl 1 |issue= |pages=S30–4 |year=2010 |pmid=20697291 |doi=10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181ee31c3 |url=}}</ref> 


==== Prokinetics ====
=== General treatment priorities in patients with constipation ===
Flow chart showing general treatment priorities in patient with constipation include:<ref name="pmid22114754" />{{family tree/start}}
{{family tree| | A01 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A01='''Education'''<br> Aknowledgement and attention to patietns' concerns<br>Guiding and encouraging the patients to participate in the treatment and have realistic goals}}
{{family tree| | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | }}
{{family tree| | |`|-| B01 | | | | | | | | | | | | |B01='''Diet and physical activity'''<br> Improving the previous habits}}
{{family tree| | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | }}
{{family tree| | | | | |`|-| C01 | | | | | | | | | |C01='''Fiber supplementation'''<br>}}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | |`|-| D01 | | | | | | | |D01= '''Osmotic laxatives''' <br> MoM, Lactulose, [[PEG]]}}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |}}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | | | | |`|-| E01 | | | | |E01='''Prokinetics'''<br>[[Prucalopride]]}}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | }}
{{family tree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |`|-| F01 | |F01='''Surgery'''}}


==== Probiotics ====
{{family tree/end}}
 
==== 5-HT receptor agonists ====
 
==== Other agents ====
 
===Physical Intervention===
Constipation that resists all other measures requires physical intervention. ''Manual disimpaction'' (the physical removal of impacted stool) is done by patients who have lost control of their bowels secondary to spinal injuries. Manual disimpaction is also used by physicians and nurses to relieve rectal impactions. Finally, manual disimpaction can occasionally be done under [[sedation]] or a [[General anaesthetic|general anesthetic]]—this avoids pain and loosens the anal sphincter.
 
Many of the products are widely available [[over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]]. [[Enema]]s and [[clyster]]s are a remedy occasionally used for hospitalized patients in whom the constipation has proven to be severe, dangerous in other ways, or resistant to laxatives. [[Sorbitol]], [[Glycerol|glycerin]] and [[Peanut oil|arachis oil]] [[Suppository|suppositories]] can be used. Severe cases may require [[phosphate]] solutions introduced as enemas
 
===Pharmacotherapy===
====Laxatives====
{{main|laxative}}
[[Laxative]]s may be necessary in people in whom dietary intervention is not effective or is inappropriate. Most laxatives can be safely used long-term, although some are associated with cramping and bloatedness and can cause the phenomenon of [[melanosis coli]].


====Contraindicated medications====
== References ==
 
{{MedCondContrAbs
 
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Latest revision as of 21:07, 29 July 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Eiman Ghaffarpasand, M.D. [2]

Overview

Chronic constipation treatment includes both behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Behavioral management mostly consists of life style and dietary modification, while pharmacological interventions are mostly based on laxatives. Increasing physical activity is postulated to improve constipation and colonic transit time in patients with constipation. The most important behavioral treatment for constipation is biofeedback, consisting of teaching the patients how to use their abdominal and pelvic muscles during defecation. Probiotics are live microorganism spores that are given orally to improve the gastrointestinal tract function. Recently, use of probiotics in food industry is growing. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are most studied organisms as probiotics.

Medical Therapy

  • General principles of medical therapy in patients with chronic constipation are as following:[1]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chronic Constipation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXCLUDE:
• Inadeqate fiber intake
Medication
Cancer
Stricture
• Systemic or neurologic disease
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No clinical response
 
 
Fiber supplement, Simple laxatives
 
 
Clinical response
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Normal
 
• Anorectal manometry
• Balloon expulsion test
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonic transit time
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unclear diagnosis
 
Evacuation disorder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Normal
 
Delayed
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Barium enema
• MR proctography
 
• Pelvic floor retraining
• Psychology
• Diet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• Fiber supplement
• Osmotic laxatives
• Secretagogues
• Prokinetics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clinically significant structural disorder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clinical response
 
No clinical response
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rectal surgery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colonic manometry
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Normal
 
Colonic inertia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consider colectomy plus ileorectostomy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chronic constipation management

Lifestyle modification

  • Increasing physical activity is postulated to improve constipation and colonic transit time in patients with constipation.[2]
  • Moderate physical exercise as much as 32 min per day have shown significant improvement of quality of life but no significant decrease in laxative need for treatment.[3]
  • Moderate to vigorous training (20-60 min, 3-5 times per week) revealed significant improvement in constipation symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[4]

Dietary interventions

Biofeedback treatment

Pharmacological intervention

Pharmacological intervention for constipation include:[9]

Constipation

  • 1 Adult
    • 1.1 Over the counter medicines
      • 1.1.1 Bulk forming agents
        • Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg PO q8-12h
        • Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg PO q6-12h
        • Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q8-24h
        • Alternative regimen (1): Metamucil 1000 mg PO q8-12h
      • 1.1.2 Osmotic agents
        • Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 5 g (1 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h
        • Preferred regimen (2): Fleet Phospho-Soda 15 mL dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h
        • Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 30-60 mL PO daily
        • Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 34 g dissolved in 250 mL water PO daily
        • Alternative regimen (1): Sorbitol 30-150 mL (70% solution) once
      • 1.1.3 Stool softeners
      • 1.1.4 Lubricants
        • Preferred regimen (1): Fleet 19 g dissolved in 118-197 mL water enema per rectum daily
        • Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol 133 mL enema per rectum once
      • 1.1.5 Stimulants
    • 1.2 Prescription medicines
      • 1.2.1 Chloride channel activators
        • Preferred regimen (1): Lubiprostone (Amitiza) 24 mcg PO q12h with food and water
      • 1.2.2 Guanylate cyclase-C agonists
  • 2 Pediatrics
    • 2.1 Over the counter medicines
      • 2.1.1 Bulk forming agents
        • Preferred regimen (1): Citrucel 500 mg PO daily
        • Preferred regimen (2): FiberCon 625 mg PO daily
        • Preferred regimen (3): Konsyl 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q8-24h
        • Alternative regimen (1): Metamucil 500 mg PO q8-12h
      • 1.1.2 Osmotic agents
        • Preferred regimen (1): Cephulac 2.5 g (1/2 tablespoon) dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h
        • Preferred regimen (2): Fleet Phospho-Soda 5-10 mL dissolved in 250 mL water PO q6-8h (not for < 5 years of age)
        • Preferred regimen (3): Milk of Magnesia 5-15 mL PO daily
        • Alternative regimen (1): Miralax 17 g dissolved in 250 mL water PO daily
        • Alternative regimen (2): Sorbitol 2 mL/kg (as 70% solution) once
      • 1.1.3 Stool softeners
      • 1.1.4 Lubricants
        • Preferred regimen (1): Fleet 9.5 g dissolved in 59 mL water enema per rectum daily
        • Preferred regimen (2): Zymenol 51.5 mL enema per rectum once
      • 1.1.5 Stimulants
    • 2.2 Prescription medicines

Probiotics

General treatment priorities in patients with constipation

Flow chart showing general treatment priorities in patient with constipation include:[10]

 
Education
Aknowledgement and attention to patietns' concerns
Guiding and encouraging the patients to participate in the treatment and have realistic goals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diet and physical activity
Improving the previous habits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiber supplementation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Osmotic laxatives
MoM, Lactulose, PEG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prokinetics
Prucalopride
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Surgery
 
 
 

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Camilleri M, Bharucha AE (2010). "Behavioural and new pharmacological treatments for constipation: getting the balance right". Gut. 59 (9): 1288–96. doi:10.1136/gut.2009.199653. PMC 3189401. PMID 20801775.
  2. Meshkinpour H, Kemp C, Fairshter R (1989). "Effect of aerobic exercise on mouth-to-cecum transit time". Gastroenterology. 96 (3): 938–41. PMID 2604760.
  3. Chin A Paw MJ, van Poppel MN, van Mechelen W (2006). "Effects of resistance and functional-skills training on habitual activity and constipation among older adults living in long-term care facilities: a randomized controlled trial". BMC Geriatr. 6: 9. doi:10.1186/1471-2318-6-9. PMC 1562427. PMID 16875507. Vancouver style error: missing comma (help)
  4. Johannesson E, Simrén M, Strid H, Bajor A, Sadik R (2011). "Physical activity improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 106 (5): 915–22. doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.480. PMID 21206488.
  5. Emmanuel AV, Tack J, Quigley EM, Talley NJ (2009). "Pharmacological management of constipation". Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 21 Suppl 2: 41–54. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01403.x. PMID 19824937.
  6. Ashraf W, Park F, Lof J, Quigley EM (1995). "Effects of psyllium therapy on stool characteristics, colon transit and anorectal function in chronic idiopathic constipation". Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 9 (6): 639–47. PMID 8824651.
  7. Dettmar PW, Sykes J (1998). "A multi-centre, general practice comparison of ispaghula husk with lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of simple constipation". Curr Med Res Opin. 14 (4): 227–33. doi:10.1185/03007999809113363. PMID 9891195.
  8. Chiarioni G, Salandini L, Whitehead WE (2005). "Biofeedback benefits only patients with outlet dysfunction, not patients with isolated slow transit constipation". Gastroenterology. 129 (1): 86–97. PMID 16012938.
  9. "Treatment for Constipation | NIDDK".
  10. 10.0 10.1 Liu LW (2011). "Chronic constipation: current treatment options". Can J Gastroenterol. 25 Suppl B: 22B–28B. PMC 3206558. PMID 22114754.
  11. Chmielewska A, Szajewska H (2010). "Systematic review of randomised controlled trials: probiotics for functional constipation". World J. Gastroenterol. 16 (1): 69–75. PMC 2799919. PMID 20039451.
  12. Del Piano M, Carmagnola S, Anderloni A, Andorno S, Ballarè M, Balzarini M, Montino F, Orsello M, Pagliarulo M, Sartori M, Tari R, Sforza F, Capurso L (2010). "The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study". J. Clin. Gastroenterol. 44 Suppl 1: S30–4. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181ee31c3. PMID 20697291.

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