Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Constipation is commonly treated with over-the-counter (OTC) products whose efficacy and safety remain unclear. We performed a systematic review of OTC therapies for chronic constipation and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase for randomized controlled trials of ≥4-week duration that evaluated OTC preparations between 2004 and 2020. Studies were scored using the US Preventive Services Task Force criteria (0-5 scale) including randomization, blinding, and withdrawals. The strengths of evidence were adjudicated within each therapeutic category, and recommendations were graded (A, B, C, D, and I) based on the level of evidence (level I, good; II, fair; or III, poor).

Results

Of 1,297 studies identified, 41 met the in

SUBMITTER: Rao SSC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8191753 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature