Mercadante, S., Ferrera, P., & Casuccio, A. (2010). Effectiveness and tolerability of amidotrizoate for the treatment of constipation resistant to laxatives in advanced cancer patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 41, 421–425.
To evaluate the effectiveness of amidotrizoate by the percentage of patients unresponsive to their current laxative regimens who had a bowel movement within 24 hours after administration.
All patients with cancer admitted to an acute pain relief and palliative care unit during a one-year period were surveyed. If patients had no bowel movement for three consecutive days despite receiving regular doses of senna, lactulose, or a combination of both, they were consented to participate in the study. Patients were hydrated via IV and then given 50 ml of amidotrizoate orally. A repeat dose could be given the next day, based on clinical judgment or patient preference.
The study has clinical applicability for end-of-life and palliative care.
This was a prospective trial.
Amidotrizoate is an effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for patients with advanced cancer and constipation.
Amidotrizoate is used in radiology as a contrast media. Additional research is needed on the use of this agent as a laxative before it can be considered for patients with constipation.