Efficacy and optimal dose of daily polyethylene glycol 3350 for treatment of constipation and encopresis in children

Objective: To determine efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of a laxative, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, in children with chronic constipation. Study design: Children with chronic constipation (n = 24) were treated with PEG for 8 weeks at an initial dose of I g/kg/d. The dose was adjusted every 3 days as required to achieve 2 soft stools per day. A diary was kept to monitor dose, stool frequency and consistency, soiling, and other symptoms. Stool consistency was rated from I (hard) to 5 (watery). Subjects were examined for fecal retention. The Student I test and the Fisher exact test were used Cor data analysis. Results: All 20 children who completed the study found PEG to be palatable and were satisfied with the treatment. There were no significant adverse effects. Weekly stool frequency increased from 2.3 +/- 0.4 to 16.9 +/- 1.6 (P < .0001) during treatment and stool consistency from 1.2 +/-0.1 to 3.3 +/- 0.1 (P < .0001). In 9 children with soiling, weekly soiling events declined from 10.0 +/- 2.4 to 1.3 +/- 0.7 (P = .003). The mean effective dose was 0.84 g/kg/d (range, 0.27 +/- 1.42 g/kg/d). Conclusion: Daily administration of PEG at a mean dose of 0.8 g/kg is an effective, safe, and palatable treatment For constipation.