Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is one of the most common digestive diseases frequently observed in a clinical setting. It has been known to cause considerable damage to the quality of life of patients. Despite recent developments, there are considerable limitations in the use of constipation-modulating agents in Korea. Chloride channel inhibitors, such as lubiprostone and linaclotide, have not been introduced in Korea yet, and prucalopride and several kinds of polyethylene glycol are not covered under medical insurance. This article assesses medicines that are clinically available for the management of constipation in Korea, with a brief review of agents that have recently developed around the world.