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Review of Laxative Utilization in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Author(s) -
LAMY PETER P.,
KRUG BRUCE H.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1978.tb05037.x
Subject(s) - laxative , medicine , constipation , nursing homes , incidence (geometry) , cathartic , intensive care medicine , metropolitan area , nursing , surgery , physics , pathology , optics
Laxatives are the most frequently prescribed drugs in long‐term care facilities. Of all nursing home patients, 58 percent receive laxatives—often more than one, and usually on a “prn” basis. This pattern of dosage is probably used in an effort to prevent constipation. Selection of a laxative should be based on careful evaluation of the cause of constipation, with due consideration being given to differences in drug effectiveness and the incidence of side effects. A review of laxative utilization among 73 elderly patients in a large metropolitan skilled nursing facility showed a rational use of these drugs. However, more attention should have been paid to the dietary management of constipation.