Wednesday, 28 April 2021
Experts from the University of Nottingham are looking for volunteers to take part in an MRI study into a common treatment for constipation.
Researchers from the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC) and Gastroenterology in the School of Medicine are investigating how a popular treatment for constipation works in the body. Their findings will improve understanding of how Bisacodyl works, which will help with further developments in the treatment of long-term constipation.
Bisacodyl (often known as Dulcolax) is a common laxative used to treat short-term constipation. For the study volunteers will be asked to take either 5mg of Bisacodyl or a placebo (dummy pill) and will then have MRI scans to get detailed images of the bowels to show the effect the medication has.
Volunteers are needed who have some constipation, but do not use laxatives more than four times a month. Study participants will be asked to come to the SPMIC for a total of seven visits, including 18 MRI scans, which are entirely safe. They will take 5 mg bisacodyl or a placebo and will be scanned repeatedly during the study day before and after a standardised meal. The study will then compare images of the participant’s bowels after each treatment.
Constipation is a common problem that affects around one in seven otherwise healthy people and the two groups of people most likely to get constipation are young women and the elderly – especially those who need to take regular medicines. There are many reasons for it occurring including: as a side effect to other medicines, emotional upset and diet.
Constipation is extremely common yet many patients are dissatisfied with treatment. Laxatives are used by many as a short-term solution but their effectiveness varies. We hope that that by getting a clearer picture of how they work inside the body we can help with further developments of more effective long-term treatments.
If you are interested in finding out more or want to take part go to:
https://nddcbru.org.uk/study/mri-assessment-of-mode-of-action-of-bisacodyl-single-dose-mods
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Spiller or Dr Neele Dellschaft on robin.spiller@ nottingham.ac.uk or Neele.Dellschaft@nottingham.ac.uk or Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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