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Gastroenterology35 papers

Chronic idiopathic constipation

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a common disorder that significantly impairs quality of life in affected individuals 12. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of CIC in adults 12.

Management

  • Pharmacological management of CIC in adults involves various agents 12.
  • Reviewed drug classes include fiber, osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol, magnesium oxide, lactulose), and stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, senna) 12.
  • Secretagogues (lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide) and serotonin type 4 agonists (prucalopride) are also considered 12.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Polyethylene glycol is strongly recommended for the pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults 12. (Evidence: Strong)
  • Sodium picosulfate is strongly recommended for the pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults 12. (Evidence: Strong)
  • Linaclotide is strongly recommended for the pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults 12. (Evidence: Strong)
  • References

    1 Chang L, Chey WD, Imdad A, Almario CV, Bharucha AE, Diem S et al.. American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. Gastroenterology 2023. link 2 Chang L, Chey WD, Imdad A, Almario CV, Bharucha AE, Diem S et al.. American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. The American journal of gastroenterology 2023. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline: Pharmacological Management of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.Chang L, Chey WD, Imdad A, Almario CV, Bharucha AE, Diem S et al. The American journal of gastroenterology (2023)

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