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. 2021 Oct 30;27(4):495–512. doi: 10.5056/jnm20210

Table 2.

Characteristics of Studies Comparing Different Types of Laxatives or Using Combination Agents

Study, country Comparison Design Eligible population Constipation criteria Intervention and duration Number of patients and mean age Primary outcome Results
Kinnunen and Salokannel32 (1987), Finland Bulk vs Osmotic Randomized, cross-over study Geriatric long-stay patients aged 65 yr or older Patients using laxatives

  • A: Magnesium hydroxide 25 mL qd

  • B: Bulk laxative 8.7 g qd

  • 8 wk

  • 64 (F 47)

  • Mean age 81 yr

  1. BMs/wk

  2. Consistency score

  3. Need for laxatives for 4 wk

  1. A: 3.3 B: 2.6a

  2. A: 1 B: 0.8b

  3. A: 2.3 B: 3.3b
Kinnunen et al33 (1993), Finland Bulk + stimulant vs Osmotic Open, randomized controlled, cross-over study Geriatric long-stay patients aged 65-94 yr with constipation BMs < 2/wk for more than 3 mo

  • A: Agiolax 20 mL qd

  • B: Lactulose 30 mL qd

  • 5 wk for each

  • 30 (F 25)

  • Mean age 81.8 ± 7.5 yr

  1. BMs/wk

  2. Consistency

  3. Bisacodyl doses/5 wk

  1. A: 4.5 ± 2.3 B: 2.2 ± 0.9a

  2. Loose stools more common with Agiolaxa

  3. A: 1.0 ± 1.4 B: 1.7 ± 2.5 (NS)
Passmore et al34 (1993), UK Bulk + stimulant vs Osmotic Randomized, double-blind, cross-over study Long stay elderly patients or nursing home care with a history of chronic constipation History of chronic constipation (< 3 BMs/wk) or need for regular laxatives

  • A: Agiolax 10 mL qd

  • B: Lactulose 15 mL bid

  • 2 wk for each (3-5 day wash-out)

  • 77 (F 57)

  • Mean age 82.9 yr

  1. BMs/wk

  2. Consistency score

  1. A: 5.6 B: 4.2b

  2. Stool consistency score was significantly higher for Agiolax
Pers and Pers35 (1983), Sweden Bulk + stimulant vs Bulk + stimulant Open, randomized, controlled, cross-over study Hospitalized elderly patients with constipation Chronic constipation necessitating laxative treatment

  • A: Agiolax 1 sachet qd (15 mg senna)

  • B: Lunelax 1 sachet qd (25 mg senna)

  • 2 wk for each

  • 20 (F 16)

  • Mean age 83 yr

 BMs/wk A: 3.3 B: 3.9a

aP < 0.05, bP < 0.01.

F, female; BMs, bowel movements; qd, 4 times a day; bid, 2 times a day; NS, not significant.