Int J Clin Pharm Th
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Feb 2008
OTC laxative use of sodium picosulfate â results of a pharmacy-based patient survey (cohort study).
Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal symptoms. Traditionally, drug therapy for constipation is not prescribed and controlled by physicians. Instead, laxatives are sold by pharmacists as over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and usage pattern of the OTC laxative sodium picosulfate use by collecting data from patients at their pharmacies. The study describes how self-treatment of constipation is practiced. In addition, the characteristics of patients buying the contact laxative, sodium picosulfate, for self-treatment of constipation were analyzed. ⋯ Self-medication of constipation with sodium picosulfate is efficacious and considered to be safe.