Clinical effects of Polyethylene glycol 4000 in the treatment of the elder patients with chronic functional constipation

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical effect and safety of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 in the treatment of the elder patients with chronic functional constipation. METHODS 72 patients were randomly enrolled in the trial therapy group and the control group. 10 g PEG 4000 and 15 ml Lactulose were given twice a day for two weeks in two groups, respectively. The changes of defecation frequency, stool form, and accompanying symptoms were abserved. RESULTS The frequency of defecation, stool form, and accompanying symptoms in the majority of elder patients with chronic functional constipation were normalized in both groups. Total efficacy rates were 72.2% and 67.7%, respectively in two group, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). The incidences of adverse reaction were 5.6% and 11.1%, respectively in two groups, There was no significant difference (P0.05). CONCLUSION PEG 4000 is a safe and effective drug in the treatment of the elder patients with chronic functional constipation.