A comparative study: the efficacy of liquid paraffin and lactulose in management of chronic functional constipation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine and compare efficacy, safety and optimal dose of two laxatives, liquid paraffin and lactulose, in 40 children with chronic functional constipation.

METHODS:

A total of 20 children were treated with liquid paraffin and 20 with lactulose for 8 weeks and at an initial dose of 1 mL/kg per day for both drugs. The dose was adjusted every 3 days as required and a diary was kept to monitor dose, side-effects, stool frequency and consistency, and other symptoms.

RESULTS:

During first 4 weeks, improvement in stool consistency and frequency was significantly higher in liquid the paraffin group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Improvement in the number of stools per week was also significantly higher in the liquid paraffin group during the last 4 weeks of therapy (P < 0.05). Compliance rates averaged 95% in the liquid paraffin group and 90% in the lactulose group during the first 4 weeks of therapy and 90% in the liquid paraffin group and 60% in the lactulose group during the last 4 weeks of therapy (chi(2) = 4.8, SD = 1, P = 0.02). During the first 4 weeks of therapy and during the last 4 weeks of therapy, mostly side-effects and poor symptom control, respectively, influenced the compliance in the liquid paraffin group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Liquid paraffin is more effective in the treatment of children with constipation. Patients treated with liquid paraffin responded more rapidly than patients responding to lactulose and showed fewer side-effect. It is considered that late response and side-effects in conjunction with poor symptom control influence the patient compliance and the successful treatment of childhood constipation.

• Authors: Nafiye Urganci, Basak Akyildiz, Tugçin Bora Polat
• Journal: Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society (Pediatr Int) Vol. 47 Issue 1 Pg. 15-9 (Feb 2005) ISSN: 1328-8067 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 15693860 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Cathartics
• Gastrointestinal Agents
• Lactulose
• Mineral Oil

Topics

• Cathartics (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Constipation (prevention & control)
• Female
• Gastrointestinal Agents (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lactulose (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Mineral Oil (therapeutic use)
• Patient Compliance
• Prospective Studies
• Time Factors