An open, multi-centre study in general practice compared with efficacy, speed of action and acceptability of
ispaghula husk (
Fybogel Orange, Reckitt & Colman Products, UK),
lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of patients with simple
constipation. A total of 65 GPs recruited 394 patients, of whom 224 (56.9%) were assigned to treatment with
ispaghula and 170 (43.1%) to other laxatives (mainly
lactulose) for up to four weeks. Thirteen patients withdrew before treatment started, so that 381 entered the study. Patients were assessed by their GP before entry and after two and four weeks of treatment. Patients also kept daily records of their bowel movements. After four weeks' treatment,
ispaghula husk was assessed by the GPs to be superior to the other treatments in improving bowel function and in overall effectiveness, palatability and acceptability. Patients' reports of time to first bowel movement showed little difference between the treatments. Over 60% of patients in each treatment group passed a first motion within 24 hours, and over 80% within 36 hours.
Ispaghula husk produced a higher percentage of normal, well-formed stools and fewer hard stools than other laxatives. Incidences of soiling, diarrhoea and
abdominal pain were lower in the group receiving
ispaghula husk. Overall,
ispaghula husk was an effective treatment for simple
constipation, and was associated with better stool consistency and a lower incidence of adverse events compared with
lactulose or with other laxatives.