Effect of lactose, lactulose and bisacodyl on gastrointestinal transit studied by metal detector.

SUMMARY Aim and methods: To study the effect of 45 g lactose, 30 g lactulose and 10 mg bisacodyl on gastrointestinal transit in 30 healthy volunteers by metal detector and Hinton marker method. The first set of measurements were performed under standard conditions. In a second stage, transit was slowed to twice the original value by loperamide to simulate constipation conditions. Results: Bisacodyl drastically accelerated small and large intestinal transit. Colonic transit was shortened to 23 % and to 31% of control values, without and with loperamide. Bisacodyl increased stool weight and decreased stool consistency in all persons. Lactulose marginally shortened small intestinal transit (P=…