Efficacy and Safety of Daikenchuto for Constipation and Dose-Dependent Differences in Clinical Effects

Abstract EN

Background.

Daikenchuto (DKT) is a Kampo medicine used for the treatment of constipation.

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of DKT against constipation.

Patients and Methods.

Thirty-three patients administered DKT for constipation were selected and divided into low-dose (7.5 g DKT; n=22) and high-dose (15 g DKT; n=11) groups.

We retrospectively evaluated weekly defaecation frequency, side effects, and clinical laboratory data.

Results.

Median defaecation frequencies after DKT administration (5, 5.5, 5, and 8 for the first, second, third, and fourth weeks, resp.) were significantly higher than that before DKT administration (2) in all 33 cases (P<0.01).

One case (3%) of watery stool, one case of loose stools (3%), and no cases of abdominal pain (0%) were observed.

Median defaecation frequencies in the high-dose group (7 and 9) were significantly higher than those in the low-dose group (4 and 3) in the first (P=0.0133) and second (P=0.0101) weeks, respectively.

There was no significant change in clinical laboratory values.

Conclusion.

We suggest that DKT increases defaecation frequency and is safe for treating constipation.