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Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 (MiraLax and others) is an osmotic laxative approved for short-term treatment of constipation. In this multicenter industry-sponsored study, researchers assessed the use of PEG for longer-term treatment of constipation.
The study included 304 patients (mean age, 53; 85% women) with chronic constipation, as defined by standardized criteria; the mean duration of constipation was 23 years. The patients were randomized to receive either once-daily PEG (a 17-g packet mixed with 8 oz of liquid) or placebo. During 6 months of treatment, the primary efficacy endpoint (at least 3 satisfactory bowel movements per week, without use of rescue laxative, for at least half of treatment weeks) was reached by 52% of PEG recipie…