REGULATION OF BOWEL FUNCTION BY A LAXATIVE STOOL SOFTENER PREPARATION IN AGED NURSING-HOME PATIENTS

ABSTRACT: A 12‐week program for 42 chronically constipated patients in a nursing home involved a graduated dosage regimen of standardized senna concentrate with dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Senokot‐S Tablets), a high‐fiber diet, and an increased fluid intake. The program achieved a satisfactory pattern of bowel evacuation in 36 (86 percent) of these patients. This pattern, as observed during a 4‐week follow‐up period while therapy was continued, was characterized by absence of fecal impactions, regular comfortable bowel movements of appropriate consistency, minimal or no straining at stool, and minimal or no resort to enemas. In the initial 2‐week control period, none of the 42 patients had responded adequately to only dietary modification and increased hydration. Six additional patients whose response to the control regimen was equivocal, also appeared to benefit from the medication program. Two of these were able to discontinue the laxative tablets completely by the end of the 12‐week test period. None of the 48 patients who completed the course experienced any adverse effects related to this rehabilitative program. 1979 The American Geriatrics Society