IBS Medication

IBS medication relieves the symptoms of IBS enough to prevent them from interfering with ones daily activities. It may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, diarrhea, or constipation that no longer respond to home treatment. As there is no single medication has been shown to be effective in relieving IBS over the long term.

Mostly, the choice of medication is based on the most troublesome symptom, if diarrhea is the most bothersome symptom, then using antidiarrheals or anticholinergics may be helpful.

Antidiarrheals, like as diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium) slow down intestinal movements. Bile acid binding agents (cholestyramine) on the other hand, prevent bile acids from stimulating the colon, slowing the passage of stools and thus relieving diarrhea. Alosetron (Lotronex), is used for some women who have severe diarrhea and who have not responded to other treatments. This medicine slows down the movement of stools through the bowels.

For IBS with constipation as the symptom and it does not improve with home treatment, the following medication can be taken: Lubiprostone (Amitiza), which works by increasing the amount of fluid in your intestines which then make it easier for stool to pass; Osmotic laxatives (such as Milk of Magnesia and nonabsorbable sugars such as lactulose), which work by holding fluids in the intestine and drawing fluids into the intestine from other tissue and blood vessels.

The extra fluid accumulated then in the intestines makes the stool softer and easier to pass; Polyethylene glycol (MiraLax) helps the stool hold on to more water, making it softer and easier to pass; stimulant laxatives (such as Correctol, Dulcolax, or Senokot), speed up the movement of the stool through the intestines by irritating the lining of the intestines.

It is important to note however, that regular use of stimulant laxatives is not recommended as stimulant laxatives change the tone and feeling in the large intestine and can become dependent on using it all the time to have a bowel movement. Laxatives should only be used when it is recommended by a doctor.

For long-term pain and cramping associated with IBS, Anticholinergics (antispasmodics), such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), help prevent or relieve painful cramping spasms in the intestines.

If IBS causes to have anxiety or depression an Antidepressants and Antianxiety agents (benzodiazepines) may be taken.