Abstract | BACKGROUND: Fiber and water-holding agents are used for the treatment of constipation. In what may appear to be a paradox, they are sometimes also used for the treatment of diarrhea; it has been proposed that they sequester water from liquid stools and/or increase the ratio of fecal solids to fecal water and thereby improve stool consistency. The purpose of the present study was to test the validity of this hypothesis in normal subjects in whom secretory diarrhea was induced by phenolphthalein. METHODS: RESULTS:
Calcium polycarbophil and wheat bran had no effect on fecal consistency or on fecal viscosity. By contrast, psyllium made stools firmer and increased fecal viscosity. In a dose-response study in 6 subjects, doses of 9, 18, and 30 g of psyllium per day caused a near linear increase in fecal viscosity. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | A J Eherer, C A Santa Ana, J Porter, J S Fordtran |
Journal | Gastroenterology
(Gastroenterology)
Vol. 104
Issue 4
Pg. 1007-12
(Apr 1993)
ISSN: 0016-5085 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8385040
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Acrylic Resins
- Antidiarrheals
- Dietary Fiber
- Phenolphthaleins
- Phenolphthalein
- Psyllium
- calcium polycarbophil
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Topics |
- Acrylic Resins
(pharmacology)
- Adult
- Antidiarrheals
(pharmacology)
- Diarrhea
(chemically induced, drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Dietary Fiber
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Phenolphthalein
- Phenolphthaleins
- Psyllium
(pharmacology)
- Triticum
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