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Lack of Lasting Effectiveness of PEG 3350 Laxative Treatment of Constipation

2005; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 39; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/01.mcg.0000170769.67320.47

1539-2031

Lily C Tran, Jack A. Di Palma,

Gastroesophageal reflux and treatments

Purpose: PEG 3350 (MiraLax, Braintree Laboratories Inc., Braintree, MA) 17 g daily has been shown to be safe and effective in a 14-day trial for constipation. This present investigation was designed to extend the treatment and safety experience with PEG 3350 and to evaluate any lasting effectiveness during a 30-day post-treatment observation period. Methods: Study subjects met Rome II criteria for constipation and reported <3 bowel movements a week. They were treated with PEG 3350 17 g daily for 14 days. Treatment efficacy was defined by resolution of constipation symptoms as determined by the Rome II and stool frequency definitions during the treatment period. Results: Fifty healthy constipated subjects formed the study group. There were 42 females and 8 males. Mean age was 52 ± 15.5 years (±SD). Symptom duration was 22.6 ± 16.7 months (±SD). At baseline, all had 3 stools in the last week and no longer met Rome criteria. Thirty-two of 45 (71.1%) reported satisfaction with the first bowel movement after initiating treatment. Thirty days after active treatment, 29 of 47 (61.7%) responded that they needed laxative treatment. Conclusion: PEG 3350 relieved constipation in most treated study subjects. During a 30-day post-treatment observation period, 29 of 47 (61.7%) had additional constipation treatment interventions.