2008•PharmacologyRequires access

Safety and Efficacy of a Bulk Laxative Containing Senna versus Lactulose in the Treatment of Chronic Constipation in Geriatric Patients

Kati Kinnunen, W. Winblad, Pentti Koistinen, I. Salokannel

Abstract

Thirty geriatric long-stay patients aged 65-94 years (mean 81.8) participated in the trial the aim of which was to examine bulk laxative plus senna (Agiolax) in the treatment of chronic constipation using lactulose (Levolac) as a reference medicine. Bulk laxative plus senna (daily doses 14.8 g) produced more frequent (p < 0.05) bowel habits (4.5 vs. 2.2-1.9/week) than lactulose (daily doses 20.1 g). Both laxatives proved to be safe to use. Our study indicated bulk laxative plus senna to be more efficient in treating constipation in geriatric long-stay patients.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 70 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

Key concepts: Laxative, Senna, Lactulose, Medicine, Constipation, Cathartic, Chronic constipation, Internal medicine