A multi-centre, general practice comparison of ispaghula husk with lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of simple constipation

An open, multi-centre study in general practice compared the efficacy, speed of action and acceptability of ispaghula husk (Fybogel Orange(R), Reckitt & Colman Products, UK), lactulose and other laxatives in the treatment of patients with simple constipation. A total of 65 GPs recruited 394 patients, of whom 224 (56.9%) were assigned to treatment with ispaghula and 170 (43.1 %) to other laxatives (mainly lactulose) for tip to four weeks. Thirteen patients withdrew before treatment started, so that 381 entered the study. Patients were assessed by their GP before entry and after two and Sour weeks of treatment. Patients also kept daily records of their bowel movements. After four weeks' treatment, ispaghula husk was assessed by the GPs to be superior to the other treatments in improving bowel function and in overall effectiveness, palatability and acceptability. Patients' reports of time to first bowel movement showed little difference between the treatments. Over 60 % of patients in each treatment group passed a first motion within 24 hours, and over 80% within 36 hours. Ispaghula husk produced a higher percentage of normal, well-formed stools and fewer hard steals than other laxatives. Incidences of soiling, diarrhoea and abdominal pain were lower in the group receiving ispaghula husk. Overall, ispaghula husk was an effective treatment for simple constipation, and was associated with better stool consistency and a lower incidence of adverse events compared with lactulose or with other laxatives.