Mobile, Ala – June 22, 2007 -- A clinical trial including 50 medical centers and 304 patients has confirmed that polyethylene (PEG) laxative is safe for patients suffering from chronic constipation. The study, published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, indicates that even elderly patients can use the drug safely for up to six months.
“Until recently, few data were available regarding the long term treatment of chronic constipation,” says study author Dr. Jack DiPalma. “Only two medications are currently approved by the FDA for treatment of this condition.”
The study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. 52 percent of patients taking PEG responded successfully to treatment, compared to 11 percent of those taking the placebo. Similar results were observed when analyzed for differences due to gender, race and age.
Although some patients did show slight side effects, there was no significant difference between the PEG-treated and placebo groups.
This study is published in the July issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article may contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
Jack A. DiPalma, M.D. is director of the USA Digestive Health Center and the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama. He can be reached for questions at jdipalma@usouthal.edu.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology is THE #1 clinical journal in gastroenterology. Aimed at practicing clinicians, the journal's articles deal directly with the disorders seen most often in patients. The journal brings a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to the study of gastroenterology, including articles reporting on current observations, research results, methods of treatment, drugs, epidemiology, and other topics relevant to clinical gastroenterology. For more information, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/ajg.
Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the merger between Blackwell Publishing Ltd. and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.'s Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,250 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com or http://interscience.wiley.com.