Double-blind comparison of alophen with its components for cathartic effects
Chapman, D.D.; Pittelli, J.J.
Current Therapeutic Research 16(8): 817-820
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-393X PMID: 4217249 Document Number: 5187
In a double-blind, crossover comparison of the cathartic medication Alophen® (phenolphthalein and aloin)* with double the dosage of each of its components and with placebo in 28 normal subjects, the combination drug produced a shorter mean transit time and a larger number of bowel movements, on the average, than did any of the other medications. The mean transit times with Alophen and with phenolphthalein were significantly shorter than with placebo. Stools with all three active medications were, on the average, significantly softer than those with placebo. Adverse experiences occurred with all medications and consisted almost entirely of instances of mild or moderate cramps or gas. Of 19 subjects reporting adverse experiences, 10 reported them with more than one medication. Since the results indicated that Alophen produced better overall laxative effects, particularly in light of the individual components being twice the dosage strength they were in the combination, Alophen appears to be a suitable and appropriate combination drug.
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