A comparison of Agiolax and lactulose in elderly patients with chronic constipation.

Author(s): Passmore AP, Davies KW, Flanagan PG, Stoker C, Scott MG

Affiliation(s): Department of Geriatric Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.

Publication date & source: 1993-10, Pharmacology., 47 Suppl 1:249-52.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

In a double-blind crossover study the efficacies of Agiolax, a combination of fibre and senna pod, and lactulose were compared in 77 long-stay elderly patients with chronic constipation. Mean daily bowel frequency, stool consistency and ease of evacuation were significantly greater with Agiolax than lactulose. The recommended dose was exceeded more frequently with lactulose than Agiolax (chi 2 = 8.38, p < 0.01). Adverse effects were not different for the 2 treatments. In long-stay elderly patients with chronic constipation Agiolax and lactulose were well tolerated, but Agiolax proved a more effective treatment.