Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
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Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Overview

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Learn About Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

What is the definition of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Chronic idiopathic (of unknown cause) constipation is a persistent condition that mainly affects females and older adults and is characterized by infrequent, hard, and lumpy stools that are extremely difficult to pass. This creates a buildup of stool in the colon that causes extreme abdominal and pelvic pain. While the cause is unknown, chronic idiopathic constipation may be triggered by reduced fluid and fiber intake; the use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, opioids, general anesthetics, and antiparkinsonian drugs; changes in the colon; rectocele (rectum bulging into vagina); rectal prolapse (rectum protrudes through the anus); or dyssynergic dysfunction (disorder of muscles and sphincters that control defecation).
What are the symptoms of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation may include chronic constipation (fewer than three bowel movements a week) that persists for six months or more with hard stools; a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation; a sensation of a blockage in the rectum or anus; straining upon defecation; abdominal pain and bloating; back pain; poor appetite; a general feeling of being unwell (malaise); and the necessity of using the hands to facilitate defecation.
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What are the current treatments for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Treatments for chronic idiopathic constipation include laxatives, such as milk of magnesia, lactulose, and polyethylene glycol (PEG); glycerin suppositories; enemas; stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl, glycerol, or sodium picosulfate; linaclotide; prucalopride; fiber laxatives, such as psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, inulin, and maltodextrin; prucalopride; velusetrag; lubiprostone; linaclotide; increased dietary fiber and water intake; probiotics; physical exercise; and biofeedback training.
Who are the top Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Local Doctors?
Darren M. Brenner
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Darren M. Brenner
Gastroenterology
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Darren M. Brenner
Gastroenterology
259 E Erie St Ste 1600, Lavin Family Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
312-695-5620
Experience:
24+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
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Offers Telehealth

Darren Brenner is a Gastroenterologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Brenner has been practicing medicine for over 24 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). His top areas of expertise are Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy.

Anthony Lembo
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Anthony Lembo
Gastroenterology
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Anthony Lembo
Gastroenterology

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

2049 East 100th Street, 
Cleveland, OH 
216-444-2200
Experience:
41+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Anthony Lembo is a Gastroenterologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Lembo has been practicing medicine for over 41 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). His top areas of expertise are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

 
 
 
 
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Jeffrey Hyams
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Jeffrey Hyams
Pediatrics
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Dr. Jeffrey Hyams
Pediatrics

Connecticut Children's Medical Center

282 Washington St, 
Hartford, CT 
860-545-9000
Languages Spoken:
English
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Jeffrey Hyams is a Pediatrics provider in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Hyams is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). His top areas of expertise are Viral Gastroenteritis, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

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What are the latest Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Clinical Trials?
The Safety and Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Combined With Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Functional Constipation：a Pilot Study
The Safety and Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Combined With Nutritional Intervention in the Treatment of Functional Constipation：a Pilot Study
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 04, 2026
Intervention Type: Procedure
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease with a global prevalence of about 15%, significantly affecting daily life and quality of life. Traditional treatments primarily rely on laxatives, which may lead to adverse effects with prolonged use, while surgical interventions have limited patient acceptance. Recent studies indicate that gut microbiota therapies-including probiotics, pre...

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A 26-Week, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Tenapanor for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in Adults
A 26-Week, Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Tenapanor for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in Adults
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: February 02, 2026
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 3

Summary: This is a 26-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a 4-week treatment-free Safety Follow-up period to assess the safety and efficacy of tenapanor (5 mg, 25mg, and 50 mg) in adult patients with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) when administered twice daily for 26 consecutive weeks.

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