[Bulk-forming agents as laxatives in geriatric patients].

Constipation in elderly long-care patients is an important problem. We compared the daily administration of three bulk-forming agents, semen psyllii (Effersyllium), wheat bran with karaya gum (Crusca di Fior) and bruised linseed, with the routine laxative therapy in our clinic based on lactulose (Duphalac) and a combination of paraffin oil and phenolphthalein (Agarol). To evaluate these two laxative regimens the following parameters were monitored: quantity and quality of the feces and of additional laxatives used for regular defecation; acceptance by the patient; costs per patient and day. The results of this study show that daily administration of a laxative is significantly more efficient than periodic administration, and that daily administration of a bulk-forming agent is, at the same level of effectiveness, less expensive (-35%) than therapy with lactulose alone.