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Could a smoking-cessation pill calm IBS pain? tiny study explores varenicline

NCT ID NCT06854406

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether varenicline, a drug used to help people quit smoking, can change how the rectum senses pressure in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have chronic belly pain. Eight adults with IBS (but not the constipation type) took the drug for 8 days while researchers measured rectal sensation using a balloon. The goal was to see if the drug affects pain signals from the gut.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Varenicline
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early pilot study with only 8 people. It may not show clear benefits, and varenicline can have side effects like nausea or mood changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

irritable bowel syndrome Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic in Rochester

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.