Over-the-Counter Laxative Beats Prescription Drug for Chronic Constipation

A treatment for chronic constipation that is now available over-the-counter was more effective that a drug that needs a doctor’s prescription in a review of ten studies comparing the two.

Both polyethylene glycol, which is marketed as Miralax®, and prescription lactulose, sold under a number of brand names including Cholac Syrup®, Kristalose®, and Enulose®, work by drawing water into the colon and softening stools making them easier to pass.

The two osmotic laxatives can help patients whose intestinal activity is slow because of illness or medicines.  Cancer patients who take opiate pain relievers often have problems with this kind of constipation. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on July 8th, 2010
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: constipation

Gastroenterology Meeting Highlights

ACG Annual Meeting 2009 Brief Reports

The American College of Gastroenterology held its Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego from October 23 – 28, 2009 in San Diego.  Research reported during the meeting included how videorecordings of colonoscopy improved quality tests, the effectiveness of a drug that reduces constipation from opiate drugs, and support for guidelines that call for screening colonoscopy beginning at age 40 for people with a family history of colorectal cancer. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on November 4th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: colonoscopy, colonoscopy screening, constipation