Medications for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, causes problems with digestion including cramps, bloating, gas and alternating severe diarrhea with constipation. According to the Mayo Clinic, more women than men have IBS, which usually begins during young adulthood. Medications used for treating IBS are focused on relieving constipation and diarrhea, and the abdominal pain and depression that IBS may also cause.

Fiber

• Fiber supplements can be taken as pills or powders that are mixed into drinks or added to foods and may relieve constipation caused by IBS.

Antidiarrheals

• According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications such as Imodium can help to control diarrhea caused by IBS.

Anticholinergics

• Anticholinergic medications such as atropine that affect the nerves that control the intestines and bowels can treat IBS by reducing muscle spasms in the bowels.

SSRIs

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can relieve symptoms of depression and decrease activity of the nerves in the intestines to decrease constipation and pain from IBS.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Antidepressants such as imipramine and amitriptyline can treat pain and diarrhea caused by IBS, but according to the Mayo Clinic, a side effect of these medications is constipation.

Alosetron

• Alosetron is specifically for IBS and is only approved for use in women with severe diarrhea and who have unsuccessfully tried other medications.

Lubiprostone

• According to the Mayo Clinic, lubiprostone is used only in women to treat constipation caused by IBS and works by increasing fluid in the stool.