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Home › Conditions › chronic constipation

Chronic constipation

5 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for chronic constipation

74 trials tracked for chronic constipation: 32 in phase 3 or 4 and 4 with published results. The most-cited published study has 532 citations.

74Trials tracked
32Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
4With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 14 Phase 3 18 Phase 2 20 Other / NA 22
  1. Phase 4 Bowel Function After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Completed · 532 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study Evaluating Long-Term Safety of MOA-728 in Participants With Opioid-Induced Constipation Completed · 153 cited
  3. Phase 3 Safety and Efficacy of Linaclotide in Patients With Chronic Constipation and Prominent Abdominal Bloating Completed · 82 cited
  4. Phase 4 Does a Preoperative Bowel Regimen Change Time to First Bowel Movement After Robotic Sacral Colpopexy Completed
  5. Phase 4 Safety and Efficacy of Lubiprostone in Pediatric Patients With Constipation Completed
  6. Phase 4 Effects of Lubiprostone on Small Bowel and Colonic Bacteria: A Correlation Study With Segmental and Whole Gut Transit Completed
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 4 Study to Gather Information on the Acceptability of a New Flavor System With Increasing Levels of 2, 4, 6 g or Higher of Mannitol for PEG 3350 in Subjects Having Infrequent Bowel Movements. Completed
  2. Phase 4 Trial of Alvimopan in Major Spine Surgery Completed
  3. Phase 4 Lubiprostone in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Associated Constipation Completed
  4. Phase 4 Study to Investigate Prucalopride vs. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 on Colon Activity Completed
  5. Phase 4 Study Comparing PEG 3350 Laxative to Placebo in the Treatment of Occasional Constipation (Study CL2007-12)(P08216) Completed
  6. Phase 4 A Preference Study Comparing Kristalose® and Liquid Lactulose Completed
  7. Phase 4 Evaluation of Long-term Prucalopride Treatment With Chronic Constipation in Subjects Aged ≥ 18 Years Completed
  8. Phase 4 Study of Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) Surgery in Refractory Constipation Associated With Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS) Completed
  9. Phase 4 Effect of Octreotide on the Colonic Motility in Pediatric Patients Completed
  10. Phase 4 The Effectiveness of Lubiprostone in Constipated Diabetics Completed
  11. Phase 3 An Open-label, Long-term Safety Study of Linaclotide in Patients With Chronic Constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Completed
  12. Phase 3 Lubiprostone for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Completed
  13. Phase 3 An Open-Label, Long-Term Safety Study of Linaclotide in Patients With Chronic Constipation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Completed
  14. Phase 3 Lubiprostone for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Treatment Completed
  15. Phase 3 Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone (MOA-728) for the Treatment of Opioid-Induced-Constipation Completed
  16. Phase 3 BLI400-302: A Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of BLI400 Laxative in Constipated Adults Completed
  17. Phase 3 An Open Label Study of Chronic Use of BLI400 Laxative in Constipated Adults Completed
  18. Phase 3 A Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of BLI801 Laxative in Adults Experiencing Non-Idiopathic Constipation Completed
  19. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Lubiprostone in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Completed
  20. Phase 3 Trial of Linaclotide in Patients With Chronic Constipation Completed
  21. Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for Functional Constipation Completed
  22. Phase 3 Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Trial of Linaclotide Administered to Patients With Chronic Constipation Completed
  23. Phase 3 Study Evaluating Subcutaneous MOA-728 for the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) in Subjects With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Completed
  24. Phase 3 Dulcolax vs Placebo in Functional Constipation Completed
  25. Phase 3 B. Lactis HN019 for Functional Constipation Completed
  26. Phase 3 Lubiprostone and Mucus Secretion in Patients With Chronic Constipation Completed
  27. Phase 2 Study Evaluating MOA-728 Oral for the Treatment of OIBD in Subjects With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Completed
  28. Phase 2 Evaluation of Safety and Tolerability of ENT-01 for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Related Constipation Completed
  29. Phase 2 Study of Elobixibat (A3309) in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation Completed
  30. Phase 2 An Effectiveness and Safety Study of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Functional Constipation Completed
  31. Phase 2 Orally Administered ENT-01 for Parkinson's Disease-Related Constipation (KARMET) Completed
  32. Phase 2 A Clinical Standardization Study of the Preferred Acupuncture Treatment Protocol to Treat Functional Constipation Completed
  33. Phase 2 The Efficacy and Safety Study of Electro-acupuncture for Severe Chronic Functional Constipation Completed
  34. Phase 2 S1702 Isatuximab in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Primary Amyloidosis Completed
  35. Phase 2 Effects of Alpha-1 Antagonist, Stress and Relaxation on Anorectal Functions Completed
  36. Phase 2 Laxative Effectiveness of a Phytotherapeutic Tea Completed
  37. Phase 2 A Dose Determination Study of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Functional Constipation Completed
  38. Phase 2 Safety and Tolerability of Oral Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 3350) Solution in Participants With Constipation (MK-8114-003) Completed
  39. Phase 2 Post-Operative Constipation Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Completed
  40. Phase 2 Use of Pyridostigmine for Constipation in Diabetics Completed
  41. Phase 2 Dose-Finding Trial of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Laxative Plus Electrolytes for the Treatment of Constipation (Protocol P07515) Completed
  42. Phase 2 Study Evaluating Oral MOA-728 For The Treatment Of OIBD In Subjects With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Completed
  43. Phase 2 Dose-range-finding, Phase 2 Trial of Oral Linaclotide Acetate Administered to Patients With Chronic Constipation Completed
  44. Phase 2 Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of ADL5945 Once Daily for the Treatment of Opioid-induced Constipation in Adults Taking Opioid Therapy for Chronic Noncancer Pain Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 74 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found For clinicians

Chronic constipation: what the trials found

Several pharmacological interventions have demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic constipation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulations showed improvements in patient-reported outcomes, including the PAC-SYM and PAC-QOL scores 1, and were associated with specific timeframes for first bowel movements 4. Lubiprostone was shown to increase spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency at week 1 21 and improve quality of life scores 7. Linaclotide demonstrated significant improvements in the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) and a reduction in abdominal bloating 16.

Other pharmacological agents showed specific physiological or symptomatic effects. Prucalopride was associated with an increase in the number of high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) 10, while methylnaltrexone significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving rescue-free bowel movements within 4 hours of administration 20. BLI400 showed a statistically significant treatment response compared to its comparator 18.

Surgical intervention via Stapled Transanal Resection (STARR) resulted in a substantial reduction in total ODS symptom composite scores at one month and six months post-procedure 13. Additionally, the presence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was not significantly associated with lubiprostone use 5.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is associated with improved patient-reported quality of life and symptom scores 1 and defined timelines for initial bowel movements 4.
  • Lubiprostone increases spontaneous bowel movement frequency 21 and improves quality of life scores 7.
  • Linaclotide significantly improves CSBM counts and reduces abdominal bloating 16.
  • Methylnaltrexone is effective for achieving rescue-free bowel movements shortly after administration 20.

AI synthesis of 10 cited trials, updated Jun 20, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Fecal microbiota transplantation improves motor function and constipation in patients with Parkinson disease
Neurology Meta-analysis
Fecal microbiota transplantation improves motor function and constipation in patients with Parkinson disease Fecal transplants improve Parkinson's motor symptoms in short term
This meta-analysis of 220 adults with mild to moderate Parkinson disease found that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) significantly imp…
A meta-analysis finds fecal transplants may temporarily improve motor and constipation symptoms in Parkinson's, but effects fade.
Jun 17, 2026
Biofeedback therapy improves constipation response rates and symptom scores in adults compared to control groups
Infectious Disease Meta-analysis
Biofeedback therapy improves constipation response rates and symptom scores in adults compared to control groups Biofeedback therapy helps more adults with chronic constipation than usual care
A meta-analysis of 19 trials shows biofeedback therapy significantly boosts response rates and bowel frequency for chronic constipation. Whi…
Biofeedback therapy significantly improved bowel movement frequency and quality of life for adults with chronic constipation, though study l…
Frontiers May 29, 2026
Ultrasound may aid pediatric constipation diagnosis in various clinical settings
Pediatrics Sys. Review
Ultrasound may aid pediatric constipation diagnosis in various clinical settings Ultrasound scans may help doctors diagnose constipation in children
This narrative review examines the role of transabdominal and perianal ultrasonography in pediatric gastroenterology clinics and institution…
Ultrasound scans could become a useful tool for doctors treating constipation in children, offering a new way to see inside without surgery.
Frontiers May 29, 2026
Elobixibat improved constipation in schizophrenia or depression patients during postmarketing surveillance in Japan
Psychiatry Cohort
Elobixibat improved constipation in schizophrenia or depression patients during postmarketing surveillance in Japan New Hope for Constipation in Mental Health Patients
This postmarketing cohort study evaluated elobixibat in 105 patients with schizophrenia and 129 with depression in Japan.
A new drug helps millions with mental health conditions overcome severe constipation caused by their mood-stabilizing medications.
Frontiers Apr 20, 2026
Narrative review explores psychobiotics and lifestyle changes for chronic constipation-depression comorbidity
Psychiatry Sys. Review
Narrative review explores psychobiotics and lifestyle changes for chronic constipation-depression comorbidity Your Gut and Your Mood Are Talking — Here's What They're Saying
This narrative review examines potential strategies for managing chronic constipation and depression comorbidity, including psychobiotics, f…
Chronic constipation and depression often share a common cause: gut bacteria imbalances that disrupt the signals between your digestive syst…
Frontiers Apr 18, 2026

Questions about chronic constipation

Does biofeedback therapy improve bowel frequency for those with chronic constipation?

Yes, biofeedback therapy significantly increases bowel frequency in adults with chronic constipation, adding about 1.6 bowel movements per week on average.

Full answer →
Is elobixibat effective for treating chronic constipation in patients with depression?

Yes, a postmarketing study in Japan found elobixibat improved constipation in patients with depression, with few side effects.

Full answer →
Does biofeedback therapy improve symptoms for people with chronic constipation?

Biofeedback therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that improves defecation frequency and reduces symptoms for people with chronic constipation.

Full answer →