Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2/3

A Trial of Actazin Versus PEG 3350 for Maintenance Therapy in Children With Constipation

Canada60 participantsStarted 2025-06-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial is to determine whether Actazin (kiwifruit extract) is a feasible and effective alternative to polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) for maintenance therapy in children with functional constipation (FC). This study will include children aged 4 to 17 years who meet the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it feasible to conduct a definitive, multi-centre trial comparing Actazin to PEG 3350 in children with FC? 2. What are the within-group differences in clinical outcomes such as stool frequency, abdominal pain, and laxative use over a 4-week period? Researchers will compare chewable Actazin tablets with placebo PEG 3350 powder to PEG 3350 powder with placebo Actazin tablets to see if Actazin is a viable non-pharmacologic natural health product alternative for treating FC. Participants will: Undergo an initial bowel cleanout using PEG 3350 and bisacodyl. Following, they will be randomized to one of two groups: 1. Actazin chewable tablets (titrate to effect: 600-2400 mg/day) + placebo PEG 3350 2. PEG 3350 (dose based on age and titratable to effect) + placebo Actazin chewable tablets Participants will take the assigned intervention daily for 4 weeks and complete a daily bowel diary recording stool frequency, consistency (Bristol Stool Scale), abdominal pain, and laxative use. They will have weekly follow-ups via phone or electronic survey to assess adherence, medication use, and adverse events. Additionally, a bi-weekly follow-up will be conducted for an additional 8 weeks to track longer-term outcomes. Outcomes: Primary feasibility outcomes include consent rate, adherence to allocated intervention, and 4-week follow-up completion rate. Secondary clinical outcomes include resolution of FC (Rome IV criteria), weekly stool frequency, abdominal pain episodes, use of rescue laxatives, and treatment palatability. This study is being conducted at McMaster Children's Hospital and is funded by the Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization (HAHSO). Data collection will be managed using the Lumedi™ platform, and safety will be overseen by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).

Who can participate

Age range

4 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 4 to 17 years, inclusive; minimum age of 4 years to ensure toileting skills have been acquired and ability to chew and swallow tablets safely.
. Fulfill Rome IV diagnostic criteria for FC;60 Must include ≥2 of the following occurring at least once per week for a minimum of 1 month: (i) ≤2 SBMs/ week; (ii) ≥1 episode of fecal incontinence/week; (iii) retentive posturing; (iv) painful or hard bowel movements; (v) presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum (rectal, abdominal or radiographic exam) and (vi) history of large-diameter stools that can obstruct the toilet.
. Participant and their caregivers agree to exclusively use the laxatives provided as part of the trial for a 4-week period, and refrain from using any additional PEG 3350 or kiwifruit/kiwifruit extracts outside of the trial products.

Exclusion criteria

. Organic causes of constipation (e.g., celiac disease, Hirschsprung's disease, spina bifida, anorectal malformations)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Consent Rate

Timeframe: 18 months

4-week Follow up rates

Timeframe: 18 months

Adherence to allocated intervention

Timeframe: 18 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06836024

SponsorHamilton Health Sciences Corporation

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-30

Contact for this trial

Redjana Carciumaru, MD

905-521-2100 carciur@mcmaster.ca

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Constipation - Functional trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

4 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 4 to 17 years, inclusive; minimum age of 4 years to ensure toileting skills have been acquired and ability to chew and swallow tablets safely.
. Fulfill Rome IV diagnostic criteria for FC;60 Must include ≥2 of the following occurring at least once per week for a minimum of 1 month: (i) ≤2 SBMs/ week; (ii) ≥1 episode of fecal incontinence/week; (iii) retentive posturing; (iv) painful or hard bowel movements; (v) presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum (rectal, abdominal or radiographic exam) and (vi) history of large-diameter stools that can obstruct the toilet.
. Participant and their caregivers agree to exclusively use the laxatives provided as part of the trial for a 4-week period, and refrain from using any additional PEG 3350 or kiwifruit/kiwifruit extracts outside of the trial products.

Exclusion criteria

. Organic causes of constipation (e.g., celiac disease, Hirschsprung's disease, spina bifida, anorectal malformations)