Background:
Chronic functional constipation is a functional bowel disorder characterized by difficult, infrequent, and incomplete defecation, affecting 14% of the world population. The quality of life and health care system are impacted and represents a heavy economic burden. Rome IV criteria are used for the diagnosis of constipation.
Aim:
To compare the safety and efficacy of Itopride vs Bisacodyl in chronic constipation, to evaluate improvement in constipation symptoms using the Validated PAC-SYM questionnaire, to evaluate treatment satisfaction in participants using a 5-point Likert Scale, Bristol Stool Form Score for Stool form assessment.
Methods:
This prospective, randomized study was conducted in Government Medical College, Ongole, for 13 months, with the study population of 150 patients of both genders and aged >18 years. The data analysis is done using the PAC-SYM Score, 5-point Likert Scale, and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS).
Results:
Compared to the bisacodyl group, The mean spontaneous complete bowel movements and spontaneous bowel movements were significantly higher in the itopride group (p < 0.05) at the end of the study. The overall satisfaction levels of patients taking Itopride and Bisacodyl do not significantly differ over time.
Conclusion:
Both drugs appear to have similar satisfaction profiles from baseline to 12 weeks. The BSFS scores differ significantly between Itopride and Bisacodyl during different time intervals. The similar satisfaction profiles suggest that both drugs, Itopride and Bisacodyl can be effectively used to manage constipation, depending on the patient's specific needs and preferences.
Key words: Chronic functional constipation, Bisacodyl, Itopride, Spontaneous bowel movements
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