According to The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ Clinical Practice Guideline published in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, the use of osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose, is appropriate for non-surgical management of chronic constipation. These guidelines strongly recommend the use of osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose for the treatment of chronic constipation. These agents were deemed safe and effective.

Here, the results of a recent Cochrane review which evaluated the efficacy of lactulose or polyethylene glycol in treating chronic constipation and fecal impaction, were also illustrated. The findings of the meta-analysis including 10 randomized controlled trials revealed that polyethylene glycol fared better than lactulose in outcomes of stool frequency per week, form of stool, relief of abdominal pain, and the need for additional product use. Thus, polyethylene glycol was the preferred option to lactulose in the treatment of chronic constipation.