Comparison of Short-Term Effects of Guar Fiber and Polyethylene Glycol in the Treatment of Childhood Functional Constipation

Aim: Childhood constipation is a common and challenging condition. This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Fiber (KHGL) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in children diagnosed with functional constipation.Materials and Methods: Two groups of 30 children (Group 1: KHGL; Group 2: PEG) were retrospectively analyzed. Data from the first week were analyzed for stool consistency, frequency, and side effects.Results: Patients in the PEG group showed faster improvements in weekly stool frequency and stool consistency at the end of the first week compared to the KHGL group. Partial and complete response rates were also higher in the PEG group. In contrast, KHGL was found to be better tolerated and had fewer side effects. One patient in the PEG group discontinued treatment due to vomiting. This finding was not observed in the KHGL group.Conclusions: PEG was more effective in the short term but associated with more side effects, while KHGL was less effective but safer.