Lactulose for the treatment of functional constipation in senile adults

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of lactulose in the treatment of functional constipation in senile adults.Methods A randomized-control study was carried out in 112 senile adults with functional constipation.The patients in A group took daily 15~30 ml lactulose,the patients in B group 2~4 granulationes of the maren capsules.In the third week,all the adults were asked to record the daily defecation frequencies and the level of constipation on their diary cards together with the consistency per bowel movement which was judged by the Bristol Stool Form Scale(BSFS).Also,the treatment emergent adverse events(TEAE)were observed.Results After therapy,the respondent rate in A group was higher than that in B group(82.7% vs 53.7%).There were no serious adverse events in A group.No abnormal findings were found in A group regarding the vital sign,physical examination.TEAEs in A group were judged as mild by the investigators,which involved in the gastrointcstinal tract.The most commonly reported TEAEs were abdominal distension(8.6%),diarrhea(6.8%)and nausea(6.8%).Conclusion Lactulose is efficacious and safe for the treatment of functional constipation in senile adults.