Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is an intestinal disorder that includes bouts of abdominal cramping, gas, constipation and diarrhea. IBS can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing but it is not fatal. Medications are used to treat the symptoms of IBS in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
Medications for Diarrhea
Nerve receptor antagonists relax the colon and slow waste movement through the lower bowel. This helps to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea. A nerve receptor antagonist must be prescribed by a gastroenterologist. At this time, nerve receptor antagonists are only used to treat women with IBS due to the side effects identified in male patients, states the Mayo Clinic. Alosetron (Lotronex) is a commonly prescribed nerve receptor antagonist. Your doctor may suggest that you take loperamide (Imodium) to treat diarrhea as well.
Medication for Constipation
A chloride channel activator is designed to increase the fluid in the intestines, preventing constipation associated with IBS. Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is a chloride channel activator that is approved to treat women age 18 and older who suffer from IBS-related constipation. According to the Mayo Clinic, Amitiza has not proven to effectively treat male patients with IBS.
Medications for Pain and Cramping
Anticholinergic medications are used to relieve bowel spasms associated with diarrhea or constipation. Anticholinergic medications are not specifically designed for IBS but are effective in both men and women, indicates the Mayo Clinic. Antispasmodic medications are also used to treat pain and spams. Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz) and dicyclomine (Bentyl) are antispasmodic medications.
Medications for Emotional Symptoms
IBS is unpredictable and difficult to control and many patients develop anxiety. Stress and anxiety can actually exacerbate symptoms of IBS. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative or tranquilizer to help you relax if anxiety is making your symptoms worse, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. An antidepressant may be prescribed to treat any prolonged stress stemming from or affecting your symptoms of IBS.
Probiotics
Probiotics are another form of medication used to treat IBS in both men and women. Probiotics are a dietary supplement that contain good bacteria that are helpful in balancing the digestive system. Research has shown that probiotics are effective in treating multiple symptoms of IBS when bacteria is the proposed cause of symptoms, says Dr. Mark Pimentel.
