Comparison of polyethylene glycol 4000 and lactulose for treatment of chronic functional constipation in children

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare 2 laxatives, namely, polyethylene glycol 4000 without electrolytes and lactulose, evaluating the efficacy and safety for the treatment of constipation in children. Methods : Fifty-six children with chronic functional constipation were randomly assigned to receive polyethylene glycol 4000 (24 patients) or lactulose (32 patients). Patients or their parents reported defecation frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, stool incontinence and side effects after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Percentage of recovered patients were compared with each group. Results : Defecation frequency, abdominal pain and stool incontinence were improved in each group. At 12 months of follow up, 60% of patients treated with polyethylene glycol and 57.7% of patients treated with lactulose were considered as recovered. Conclusion : In this study, both polyethylene glycol and lactulose were equally effective and safe in the long-term treatment of constipation in children. There were no significant differences in recovery rates between 2 groups.