IBS Medication
Common medications for irritable bowel syndrome treatment
You can generally find most medications used to treat IBS available
over the counter (OTC).
laxatives: Stool-softening laxatives to treat constipation.
antispasmodics: Help with diarrhea and cramping by slowing
peristalsis, which is the process by which the body moves food
through the digestive tract.
antidiarrhetics: Medications such as loperamide (the
active ingredient in products like Imodium) are available over
the counter to treat diarrhea. Alternatively, your doctor may
prescribe cholestyramine, a medication typically used to reduce
cholesterol. Cholestyramine is also used to relieve excess bile
and helps IBS patients who experience diarrhea due to an over
abundance of bile salts within the gut.
anti-gas: Many OTC medications are available to help
prevent gas formation within the gut or to relieve the IBS symptoms
of cramping and excess gas. Depending upon the severity of your
irritable bowel symptoms, some anti-gas medications are taken
before eating, some after eating, and some only when you experience
flatulence or cramping. If you are in doubt as to which is the
most appropriate and will be the most effective IBS treatment
for you, consult your healthcare professional.
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