Bisacodyl and Sodium Picosulfate Improve Bowel Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Constipation—Analysis of Pooled Data from Two Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in chronic constipation. Among nonprescription laxatives QoL data out of randomized controlled trials are available only for bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate (SPS). Methods: In two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials , t he efficacy and safety of treatment with either bisacodyl or SPS, respectively, w ere assessed. After a 2-week baseline period patients with functional constipation were randomized to a 4-week treatment with either bisacodyl (2 tablets = 10 mg), SPS (18 drops = 10 mg), or matching placebo in a ratio of active drug to placebo of 2:1. Dose reduction as well as resuming the original dose was permitted. Patients who did not experience a bowel movement for more than 72 h were allowed to use a bisacodyl suppository. The primary endpoint was the mean number of Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movements (CSBMs) per week during the trial. QoL was assessed using the Patient Assessment of Constipation (PAC)-QoL questionnaire. Results: Active treatment led to a greater improvement of PAC-QoL scores for every domain. Active treatment was also superior to placebo for all individual questions of the questionnaire. Of note, SPS or bisacodyl not only improved satisfaction with stool patterns ( “ quite a bit/extremely satisfied ” in 12.8% of patients on placebo and 50.3% on active treatment) but bloating was also considerably ameliorated ( “ not at all feeling bloated ” in 24.5% on placebo and 41.4% on active treatment). Conclusion: Bisacodyl and SPS not only improve stool variables but also quality of life in patients with chronic functional constipation. (EudraCT Nos. 2007-001991-34 and 2007-002087-10) .