(May 28, 2008 - Insidermedicine) The experimental drug prucalopride, which increases movement in the colon, safely and effectively improves the symptoms of chronic constipation, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here are some facts about constipation:

•    The term refers to several symptoms, including infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, straining, bloating, the feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement, and abdominal discomfort.

•    Chronic constipation tends to affect women more commonly than men.

•    Chronic constipation is uncomfortable and in severe cases can have a significant negative impact on quality of life.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester randomly assigned over 600 adults who typically had two or fewer bowel movements per week to treatment with a low dose of prucalopride, a high dose of prucalopride, or a placebo. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks.

Nearly half of those taking prucalopride experienced an increase in the frequency with which they had bowel movements, compared with only about one-quarter of those being treated with a placebo. Nearly a third of those taking prucalopride but only 12% of those on placebo started having three or more bowel movements in a week. Patients taking the drug also reported feeling more satisfied with their bowel function.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Michael Camilleri, one of the primary investigators of this study, who offered some further insight for those suffering from chronic constipation.

Today's research highlights how a low dose of the new drug prucalopride can improve both the symptoms of chronic constipation as well as patients' satisfaction with their bowel function.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.