Comparison of polyethylene glycol 3350 and lactulose for treatment of chronic constipation in children.

Author(s): Gremse DA, Hixon J, Crutchfield A

Affiliation(s): The Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile 36604, USA.

Publication date & source: 2002-05, Clin Pediatr (Phila)., 41(4):225-9.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 and lactulose were compared in an unblinded, randomized, crossover design for treatment of constipation in 37 children aged 2 to 16 years. Subjects received lactulose (1.3 g/kg/d divided twice daily up to 20 g) or PEG 3350 (10 g/m2/day) for 2 weeks. PEG 3350 significantly decreased the total colonic transit time compared to lactulose (47.6+/-2.7 vs 55.3+/-2.4 hours, mean +/- SE, PEG 3350 vs lactulose, respectively, p = 0.038). The stool frequency, form, and the ease of passage were similar for each laxative. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an effective laxative for the treatment of chronic constipation in children.