section name header

Evidence summaries

Lactulose Versus Polyethylene Glycol for Chronic Constipation

Polyethylene glycol appears to be more effective than lactulose for chronic constipation in both adults and children. Level of evidence: "B"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 10 studies with a total of 868 subjects (322 adults and 546 children). Polyethylene glycol was better than lactulose in outcomes of stool frequency per week (MD 0.65, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.15, statistical heterogeneity I2 =77%; 5 studies, n=407), form of stool (MD 0.89, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.35, statistical heterogeneity I2 =88%; 2 studies, n=301), relief of abdominal pain (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.44, I2 =44%; 3 studies, n=300) and the need for additional products (OR 4.00, 95% CI 2.01 to 7.95; 3 studies, n=225). On subgroup analysis, this was seen in both adults and children, except for relief of abdominal pain.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality (unclear allocation concealment).

References

  • Lee-Robichaud H, Thomas K, Morgan J, Nelson RL. Lactulose versus Polyethylene Glycol for Chronic Constipation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010;(7):CD007570. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords