Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and its management often requires long-term use of laxatives. This review addresses the differences between two commonly used laxatives, lactulose and bisacodyl. The efficacy, side effect profiles, tolerance development, use in special populations, drug interactions and contraindications, and impacts on patient compliance and quality of life of these two laxatives are compared. Both lactulose and bisacodyl are effective in improving bowel movements and are widely used in clinical practice. However, when considering factors such as side effect profile, patient compliance, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness, lactulose might present a more favorable profile for certain patient populations. Primary care physicians should consider these aspects when choosing the most appropriate treatment option for their patients, always taking into account individual patient characteristics and preferences.
Key words: Constipation, laxative, purgative, osmotic, stimulant, lactulose, bisacodyl
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