IBS Medications

IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder of the digestive system that causes such symptoms as: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Symptoms are chronic and often reoccur. IBS medications are divided into groups based on symptom relief. Among these groups are: antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, fiber supplements, tricyclic antidepressents, 5-HT3 and 4 antagonists, and chloride channel activators.

Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics basically relax tension in the colon and small intestines. Relaxing the small intestines and colon aid in treating a spastic colon which often accompanies IBS. Abdominal pain is caused by spastic colons is relieved, and bowel movements are more successful when the small intestines are relaxed. Pain from abdominal distention and cramping is also relieved by this medications. Hysocyamine and dicyclomine are medications within this group.

Antidiarrheals
Antidiarrheals and fiber supplements are used to treat two main symptoms of IBS: diarrhea and constipation. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal, and psyllium is a form of fiber supplement. Most antidiarrheals and fiber supplements can be found in over the counter form.

These medications include: Imodium A-D, Benefiber, and Metamulcil. These medications are available in powdered and tablet form. The fiber supplements aid in bulking up stools so that they pass easily preventing impactment by providing a portion of the necessary daily allowance of fiber.

Antidepressants
Tricyclin antidepressants such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and imipramic are used to treat pain and discomfort caused by IBS. Research has shown less side effects, sedation, and weight gain in IBS patients using tricyclin antidepressants to treat symptoms.

Other antidepressants such as: fluxentine, venlafaxine, and buproprion are used to treat anxiety associated with IBS and pain. These antedepressants are used in place of TCA medications if patients are intolerant. However, side effects of these medications include: insomnia, nausea, nightmares, and diarrhea. These antedepressants are used when most other medication usage is not successful in treating symtoms.

5-HT3 and 5-HT4 Antagonists
5-HT3 and 5-HT4 anatagonists are similar to antidiarreahals and fiber supplements, in that they treat diarrhea and constipation. 5-HT3 antagonists treat urgency and constant diarrhea associated with IIBS where diarrhea is predominant. 5-HT4 anatagonists treat frequent constipation caused by IBS. The trick to proper treatment of these two symptoms is to find the correct dosage. The wrong dosage can cause both diarrhea and constipation. Aloseton is a 5-HT3 antagonist, and Tegasend is a 5-HT4 anatagonist. Both medications require a prescription.

Chloride channel activator like 5-HT4 antagonists and fiber supplements are used to treat constipation. Some patients using Lubiprostone, a chloride channel activator may experience diarrhea and or nausea. Chloride channel activators like 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 antagonists require a doctor to prescribe them.

IBS Diet
When a patient is diagnosed with IBS, he or she is asked to change their diet. Patients are asked to avoid fatty, fried, and spicy foods, as these foods exacerbate IBS symptoms. Patients are placed on a high fiber diets to aid in controlling symptoms.

High fiber diets include fruits such as: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and apples. Most vegetables are also high in fiber provided that the skins are not removed. All grains such as wheat and oats are highest in fiber. Starches such as pastas can be replaced with pastas that are gluton free or made from wheat.