The present study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol/ electrolyte solution therapy in patients with fecal impaction and severe constipation.

It included 16 inpatients (aged 26 to 87 years) and 14 outpatients (aged 17 to 61 years) with a history of chronic constipation, absence of bowel motion for five or more days, and fecal loading confirmed by clinical examination. It excluded completely bedridden patients or those with suspected intestinal obstruction or severe inflammatory bowel disease.

The participants received daily treatment consisting of 1 liter of Movicol, administered as two 500ml portions, which were subjected to consumption within 4 to 6 hours.

The study defined Relief of impaction as a passage of a large or moderate stool volume along with the disappearance of previously palpable fecal masses in the abdomen and/or rectum. 

• It found complete resolution of constipation or impaction in 13 patients after one day, 11 more after two days, and one more after three days. 
• All other patients improved significantly. 
• The only symptom that showed significant association with the treatment was abdominal rumbling, evidence of the drug′s action in stimulating colonic motility.

This study proves that Movicol [in a treatment dose equivalent to eight sachets (1 liter) daily for up to 3 days] is a highly effective and acceptable oral therapy for fecal impaction.

Culbert P, Gillett H, Ferguson A. Highly Effective Oral Therapy Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolyte Solution for Faecal Impaction and Severe Constipation. Clin. Drug Investig. 1998;16: 355–360. https://doi.org/10.2165/00044011-199816050-00002