Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication

Irritable bowel syndrome medication usually comes in the form of anti-spasmodic drug. Old medicines have anti-depressant or anti-diarrhea in them. The newest and potentially riskiest IBS drugs are Zelnorm or Lotronex. Zelnorm however increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems and has only been approved for short term use. These are some of the few medicines available in the market today although their effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. The type of drug that will work best with you will be determined through trial and error.

Anti-spasmodics are usually given to patients suffering from IBS. These drugs affect the gut motor activity and significantly reduce the colon’s response to both eating and stress. These drugs are to be taken 30 minutes after meals or only when needed. The sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) and the oral (swallowed whole) are the varieties available. Many people in general prefer to use soluble fiber supplements, peppermint, and fennel, and the IBS diet rather than anti-spasmodics.

Irritable bowel syndrome medication drugs are symptom-specific meaning they are aimed at painful, abdominal spasms, diarrhea, or constipation and do not treat the underlying brain-gut dysfunction of the syndrome. Don’t be discouraged if the first medications you take don’t work well because there are other options available

Put in mind that there is not a specific treatment for IBS and no single drug has yet been approved. You and your doctor should work together to determined which medication works best for you. This may take a couple of months and periodic check ups but always make sure that you receive the clinical insert about the drugs’ side effects and possible drug interactions. You could ask a pharmacist for this insert just incase you don’t receive it with your prescription.

At present most patients suffering from IBS complain about the lack of safe, reliable and effective irritable bowel syndrome medication. What they are looking for are new drugs that would target the problem especially preventing its symptoms. For the mean time we must make use of irritable bowel syndrome medication drugs that we have and keep our fingers crossed for new possible breakthroughs.