methylcellulose and Constipation

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the clinical assessment and evidence-based treatment options for managing diabetes-associated chronic constipation.. A literature search of published medical reports in English language was performed using the OVID Portal, from PUBMED and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from inception to October 2015. A total of 145 abstracts were identified; duplicate publications were removed and 95 relevant full-text articles were retrieved for potential inclusion.. Chronic constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetes, and occurs more frequently than in healthy individuals. Treatment goals include improving symptoms and restoring bowel function by accelerating colonic transit and facilitating defecation. Based on guidelines and data from published literature, food and dietary change with exercise and lifestyle change should be the first step in management. For patients recalcitrant to these changes, laxatives should be the next step of treatment. Treatment should begin with bulking agents such as psyllium, bran or methylcellulose followed by osmotic laxatives if response is poor. Lactulose, polyethylene glycol and lactitol are the most frequently prescribed osmotic agents. Lactulose has a prebiotic effect and a carry-over effect (continued laxative effect for at least 6 to 7 days, post cessation of treatment). Stimulants such as bisacodyl, sodium picosulphate and senna are indicated if osmotic laxatives are not effective. Newer agents such as chloride-channel activators and 5-HT4 agonist can be considered for severe or resistant cases.. The primary aim of intervention in diabetic patients with chronic constipation is to better manage the diabetes along with management of constipation. The physician should explain the rationale for prescribing laxatives and educate patients about the potential drawbacks of long-term use of laxatives. They should contact their physician if short-term use of prescribed laxative fails to provide relief.

Topics: Bisacodyl; Chloride Channel Agonists; Chronic Disease; Citrates; Constipation; Diabetes Complications; Dietary Fiber; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise Therapy; Healthy Lifestyle; Humans; Laxatives; Methylcellulose; Organometallic Compounds; Picolines; Psyllium; Senna Extract; Serotonin 5-HT4 Receptor Agonists

Topics: Barium Sulfate; Cathartics; Colonic Diseases, Functional; Colonoscopy; Constipation; Enema; Humans; Life Style; Methylcellulose; Patient Education as Topic; Polyethylene Glycols

Topics: Aged; Bile Acids and Salts; Carcinoma; Cholelithiasis; Colonic Neoplasms; Constipation; Diet; Dietary Carbohydrates; Diverticulitis; Diverticulum; Feces; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gastrointestinal Motility; Humans; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Polysaccharides

Topics: Adult; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Sedimentation; Cecum; Child; Chronic Disease; Colonic Diseases, Functional; Constipation; Diarrhea; Diet; Diverticulum, Colon; Female; Fruit; Gastrointestinal Motility; Humans; Intestines; Male; Methylcellulose; Milk; Pain; Parasympatholytics; Psychotherapy; Sigmoidoscopy; Stress, Psychological; Syndrome

We studied a bulk laxative containing methylcellulose in a group of normal subjects as well as in a group of chronically constipated individuals. The initial study in normal subjects was performed to show that the compound could increase fecal weight without significant side effects. Fifty healthy subjects were studied. Methylcellulose in daily doses of 4 g demonstrated a statistically significant increase in fecal frequency, fecal water, and fecal solids. In the second phase, we studied a group of 59 chronically constipated individuals treated with daily doses of the laxative containing either 1, 2, or 4 g of methylcellulose or 3.4 g psyllium. All of these doses resulted in statistically significant increases in stool frequency, water content, and fecal solids. There was no increase in individual stool weight from any of the laxative doses. Methylcellulose, in a daily dose as low as 1 g, is an effective laxative.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Cathartics; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Constipation; Defecation; Dietary Fiber; Drug Evaluation; Feces; Female; Humans; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Random Allocation

Constipation is a common complaint for people of all ages, with prevalence increasing with age and during pregnancy. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Severity of constipation varies from person to person; most people experience short periods of constipation during their lives, including possibly after surgery, while others have constipation as a chronic long-term condition that can significantly affect their quality of life. There are a number of factors that can contribute to developing constipation including diets low in fibre, changes in lifestyle, side effects of certain medications and low fluid intake. People can successfully treat constipation by making changes to their diet and lifestyle. However, medication may be required to manage constipation for some.

Topics: Cathartics; Constipation; Diet Therapy; Disease Management; Humans; Lactulose; Laxatives; Methylcellulose; Nursing Assessment; Peptides; Polyethylene Glycols; Quality of Life; Senna Extract

Topics: Cathartics; Child; Child, Preschool; Constipation; Female; Humans; Magnesium Sulfate; Male; Methylcellulose; Suppositories

Poor compliance from patients who require the use of a bulk laxative for chronic constipation is cited as a clinical problem. Many patients are dissatisfied with the taste and/or grittiness of psyllium seed products. Citrucel, made from methylcellulose, is completely soluble in water and may result in improved compliance from improved palatability. As with any medication, nursing should take an active role in patient instruction and teaching regarding the use of laxatives. Currently indicated in the treatment of constipation associated with a number of conditions, Citrucel may also be found to have a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol levels.

Topics: Constipation; Humans; Methylcellulose; Patient Compliance

Topics: Aged; Cathartics; Constipation; Female; Glycerol; Humans; Male; Methylcellulose; Middle Aged; Mineral Oil; Phenolphthaleins

Topics: Appetite Depressants; Constipation; Diarrhea; Humans; Methylcellulose; Obesity

Topics: Cathartics; Constipation; Flatulence; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Methylcellulose

Topics: Constipation; Humans; Methylcellulose

Topics: Child; Constipation; Humans; Infant; Methylcellulose

Topics: Cathartics; Constipation; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Irritants; Laxatives; Methylcellulose

Topics: Cathartics; Cellulose; Constipation; Humans; Methylcellulose; Pharmaceutical Solutions; Solutions

Topics: Constipation; Humans; Methylcellulose

Topics: Child; Constipation; Humans; Infant; Methylcellulose

Topics: Constipation; Methylcellulose