Abstract
<h3>Objective</h3> The objective of this report is to describe a cost-effective strategy for management of constipation in nursing home residents with dementia. <h3>Design</h3> We conducted a prospective observational quality improvement study of 41 residents with chronic constipation and receiving an osmotic laxative. Sorbitol was substituted for lactulose. <h3>Setting</h3> The study was conducted at a dementia special care unit at a Veterans Administration hospital. <h3>Measurement</h3> We measured the number and amount of laxative use over a period of 4 weeks that were required to maintain regular bowel function. <h3>Results</h3> There was no difference in efficacy of lactulose and sorbitol. Use of additional laxatives was infrequent: Milk of Magnesia on approximately 10% of days/patient, bisacodyl suppository on 2% to 4% of days/patient, and Fleet enema only on 3 occasions. The cost of constipation management using routine administration of sorbitol and as-needed use of other laxatives was 27% to 55% lower than the cost of other constipation management strategies reported in the literature. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Substitution of sorbitol for lactulose does not change efficacy of the treatment and decreases cost. Regular use of an osmotic laxative avoids the costs and discomforts of rectal laxatives.
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