Loading...
Polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350; Miralax) is available over the counter as a treatment for “occasional constipation,” but it has been used successfully for extended periods (Journal Watch Jul 12 2007). In this randomized trial, researchers compared PEG 3350 with tegaserod (Zelnorm), the use of which was recently restricted — because of cardiovascular safety concerns — to women younger than age 55 who meet certain FDA guidelines. The trial was supported by the Miralax manufacturer, which employs two of the four authors.
A total of 237 patients (90% women) who satisfied criteria for chronic constipation received either PEG 3350 (17 g daily) or tegaserod (6 mg twice daily) for 4 weeks. The definition of “treatment success” included no use of resc…