Chronic constipation (definition, epidemiology, diagnosis): current drug therapy

The most interest among laxatives used in the treatment of functional constipation is earned by Exportale (lactitol monohydrate) which belongs to osmotic laxatives. The osmotic effect is produced by its metabolites which are formed in the colon as a result of obligate enzymatic cleavage creating short-chain fatty acids, carbon dioxide and water which liquify and increase stool volume, as well as increase osmotic pressure. A study of the effectiveness of the drug was conducted in 90 patients with functional constipation aged from 60 to 84 years. The overall effectiveness of the drug for relief of constipation was 90%. The effect was accompanied by restoration of colonic motility, reduction or a tendency to restore the colonic microflora metabolites, and in patients with encephalopathy - a decrease in its severity