Treatment Algorithm for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation and Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Derived from a Canadian National Survey and Needs Assessment on Choices of Therapeutic Agents

Table 2

Current recommended dosages of pharmacological agents for the treatment of constipation.

Type	Agent	Dose
Prosecretory agent	Linaclotide	290 μg oral daily (IBS-C); 145 μg oral daily (CIC)
Fibre supplement	Psyllium	12 g daily or as tolerated; incremental increases of 3-4 g/week to achieve target consumption
Prokinetic agent	Prucalopride	2 mg oral daily; dose reduces to 1 mg oral daily in patients ≥65 years of age or renal insufficiency with creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min
Osmotic laxative	Lactulose	15–30 mL oral twice daily as needed
	PEG 3350	17 g/day as needed
	Magnesium hydroxide	15–30 mL (80 mg/mL) oral daily as needed
Stimulant laxative	Sodium picosulfate	10 mg once daily
	Senna	8.6–17.2 mg once daily
	Bisacodyl	5–15 mg once daily

in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.