[Constipation in the elderly. II. Prevalence and causes of the use of laxatives and experiences with volume expanders and lactulose in nursing home patients].

A study in a nursing home in the Netherlands confirmed findings from previous studies that a high percentage of geriatric patients use laxatives. This applies especially to patients taking antidepressants or hypnotics in combination with other psychotherapeutic agents or suffering from a neurological disease or to those who are rather inactive. Our study shows that it is possible for the large majority of geriatric patients using other laxatives to switch to bulk laxatives. This changing-process requires appropriate instructions and demands close attention. Eventually it will result in the normalisation of the patients' defecation, to the daily relief not only of the patient but also of the nursing staff.