• J Tack.
• Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. jan.tack@med.kuleuven.be
• Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Feb 1;25(1):151-8.

AbstractIn this article, traditional and novel therapies for chronic constipation are reviewed. Traditional laxatives are effective at inducing bowel movements, but efficacy in long-term management and efficacy on constipation-associated abdominal symptoms are less well established, with the exception of polyethylene glycol, for which long-term studies confirm sustained efficacy. Recently approved drugs include the colonic secretagogue lubiprostone and the 5-HT4 agonist prucalopride. In controlled trials in chronic constipation, these drugs were shown to significantly improve constipation and its associated symptoms, with a favourable safety record. Methylnaltrexone, a subcutaneously administered peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonist, has recently been approved for opioid-induced constipation in terminally ill patients. New agents under evaluation include the 5-HT4 agonists velusetrag and naronapride, the guanylate cyclase-C receptor agonist linaclotide and the peripherally acting mu opioid receptor antagonist alvimopan.Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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