What is the role of prokinetic agents in patients with constipation?

Abstract

Evidence-Based Answer The role for prokinetic agents in the treatment of chronic constipation or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults and children is unclear. Tegaserod increases the frequency of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) in patients with chronic constipation (SOR: A, meta-analysis of RCTs). The addition of metoclompramide to polyethylene glycol (PEG) does not improve constipation in children more than the use of PEG alone (SOR: B, single RCT). Renzapride modestly improves subjective assessment of symptoms and increases daily bowel movements in adults with constipation-predominant IBS (SOR: B, single RCT).