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There is no magical cure for IBS. But there are more and more medication options all the time to help people with IBS control and minimize their symptoms.

This page will introduce you to some of the most common medications -- both over-the-counter and prescription. Not every medication is appropriate for you. Your doctor can recommend the ones that are right for you based on your main symptom or symptoms.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any vitamins or herbal supplements you are taking or are considering. The quality of these products can vary a great deal, and they also can interact with other medications.

	Did you know? The F.D.A. has determined that only certain fibers safely and effectively restore constipation. Some fiber products are considered to be over-the-counter drugs because they have been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) to be safe and effective for restoring and promoting regularity in the digestive system. One of these products is Citrucel with SmartFiber, which contains methylcellulose -- a fiber that won't ferment or cause excess gas.* *Based on Laboratory testing. Individual results may vary.

Don't make assumptions about antidepressants

If your doctor suggests you start taking antidepressants, don't be offended or assume that you're being diagnosed with depression instead of, or in addition to, IBS.

It's true that some people with IBS, like others with chronic medical conditions, do suffer from depression as well as anxiety. But in this case, antidepressants actually are an emerging treatment for one of the symptoms of IBS -- abdominal pain.

Antidepressant medications can reduce abdominal pain in people with IBS by changing how their bodies perceive that pain. Listen to what your doctor has to say, and consider your options. There are many different kinds of antidepressants, and one may be effective for you.

IBS Medication Finder

Diarrhea

	Type of Medication	What it does	Certain Side Effects Include	Common Brand Names
	Loperamide	Slows the rate at which the stomach & intestines work	May cause dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting or other side effects.	Immodium AD Immodium Advanced
	Rifaximin	Prevents bacteria from growing in intestine	May cause vomiting, flatulence, headache, abdominal pain, nausea or other side effects.	Xifaxan
	Diphenoxylate and atropine	Relaxes muscles in bowel to prevent spasms and slows bowel function	May cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth or other side effects.	Lofene Lomotil
*Shaded orange = By prescription only

Diarrhea with Pain

	Type of Medication	What it does	Certain Side Effects Include	Common Brand Names
	Alosetron	Slows the movement of stool through the bowel	May cause upset stomach, constipation and nausea.	Lotronex
	Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), incl. imipramine (DRUGS) and amitriptyline	Change how the body senses pain	May cause upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, or other side effects.	Tofranil Triavil
*Shaded orange = By prescription only

Constipation

	Type of Medication	What it does	Certain Side Effects Include	Common Brand Names
	Bulk Fiber Laxatives	Adds bulk to the stool to make it easier to pass.	May cause excess gas, unless the fiber is Methycellulose	Citrucel (Methycellulose) Metamucil (Psyllium)
	Osmotic Laxatives	Cause an influx of water into the small intestine and colon, thereby increasing stool bulk	Bloating and intestinal gas. May cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.	MiraLax (polyethalene glycol) Lactulose
	Stimulant Laxatives	Stimulate nerves in the large intestine and reduce absorption of water.	Diarrhea and abdominal cramping and other side effects.	Senokot Dulcolax Ex-lax
*Shaded orange = By prescription only

Constipation with Pain

	Type of Medication	What it does	Certain Side Effects Include	Common Brand Names
	Tegaserod	Increases the frequency of bowel movements and fluid production in the bowels.	May cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, headache and other side effects.	Zelnorm**
*Shaded orange = By prescription only **Withdrawn from market as of 3/30/07

Abdominal Pain

	Type of Medication	What it does	Certain Side Effects Include	Common Brand Names
	Anti-spasmodics, including dicyclomine, hyoscyamine & clidinium Anti-colonergics	Reduces muscle spasms in intestinal tract	May cause dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, urinary retention and other side effects.	Bentyl Levbid Levsin Librax
	SSRIs (anti-depressants), incl. fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline	Increases the amount of serotonin to help maintain mental status.	May cause upset stomach, insomnia, nervousness, vomiting, or other side effects.	Paxil Prozac Sarafem Zoloft
*Shaded orange = By prescription only

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