Effect of an oral bulking agent and a rectal laxative administered alone or in combination for the treatment of constipation

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to search for a synergetic action between psyllium and a defecation-inducing drug, Eductyl, for symptom relief in patients suffering from chronic constipation.

Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers and 20 patients complaining of chronic constipation were included in a randomized crossover study. The study was divided into four 2-weeks periods: pre-inclusion and three periods of treatment with psyllium, Eductyl, and Eductyl + psyllium respectively. Colonic transit time was determined at the end of each period of treatment. During each of the four periods, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess symptoms of constipation.

Results: For constipated patients, treatment with Eductyl and Eductyl-psyllium improved clinical symptoms of constipation: increased stool frequency, resulted in fewer hard stools and less sensation of incomplete evacuation and less straining to defecate. The improvement was associated with a decrease in total and segmental colonic transit time. The Eductyl-psyllium combination did not exhibit any synergetic effect.

Conclusion: Treatment with Eductyl alone is more efficient than with psyllium alone in providing symptom relief. Combination with psyllium is not synergetic.