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

Abstract

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.