Low Use of First-Line Agents for Constipation by Primary Care Providers in Patients Referred to Gastroenterology Clinic for Chronic Constipation

Abstract

Constipation is a highly prevalent and chronic disorder, reported in anywhere from 24-50% of the adult population. The majority of patients with chronic constipation are treated in a primary care setting rather than by a gastroenterologist. In our clinical experience at University of California San Francisco (UCSF), patients are often referred to a gastroenterology (GI) specialist prior to being trialed on an over-the-counter first line agent for constipation, such as fiber or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, which has been shown to be safe and effective for use in patients with chronic constipation regardless of age.