Self-prescribed laxative use: a drug-utilization review

This study was conducted to determine the reasons for the choice of selfprescribedlaxatives and to acquire information on how they were used and tolerated.From November 1999 to February 2000, 70 pharmacies, uniformlylocated throughout the Campania region of southern Italy, distributed a questionnaireto purchasers of over-the-counter laxatives. The average age of the(mostly female) respondents was 45.9 years; 23.8% were elderly. Among the7324 individuals who completed the survey, 77.6% selected an oral product;22.4% preferred rectal administration. A physician influenced the choice ofa laxative in 37.7% of the cases, a pharmacist in 20.5%; other suggestions camefrom relatives (14%), acquaintances (12.1%), advertisements (11.7%), and miscellaneoussources (4%). Only 59.8% of respondents used these drugs correctly,and 58.2% consulted a physician or pharmacist because of constipation.Adverse effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, occurred in 6.1% of thosesurveyed. The long-term use or abuse of laxatives can cause serious medicalconsequences, as well as mask diseases, delaying diagnosis and appropriatetreatment. Physicians, pharmacists, and other health-care personnel shouldcounsel patients on the proper use of these easily available, ubiquitous drugs.