Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses and Benefits for IBSTypesWho Should Not Take AntispasmodicsOther IBS TreatmentsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits for IBS
Types
Who Should Not Take Antispasmodics
Other IBS Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Antispasmodicsare medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), afunctional gastrointestinal disorderthat causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
This article looks at types of antispasmodics used for IBS, their benefits and side effects, and other ways to treat IBS.
BSIP / UIG / Getty Images
Why Antispasmodics Are Used for IBS
Studies suggest about 5% of Americans haveIBS symptoms. Researchers have yet to identify the cause of IBS, so treatment is primarily aimed at relieving the symptoms, which can include:
Because symptoms of IBS tend to be worse after eating, taking these medications 30 to 60 minutes before a meal may help prevent symptoms.
Types of Antispasmodics for IBS
There are two types of antispasmodic medications used for IBS: anticholinergics and direct smooth muscle relaxants. Peppermint oil also has antispasmodic properties and is sometimes used.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics stop cell signals that contract muscles in the digestive tract, heart, lungs, and urinary tract. In addition to IBS, they’re used for conditions includingpancreatitis,asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), andParkinson’s disease.
By blocking acetylcholine receptors in the digestive tract, anticholinergics can slow digestion, decrease the severity of muscle spasms, and reduce the overproduction ofmucus.
Examples of commonly prescribed anticholinergics include:
Anticholinergics can affect organ systems beyond the digestive tract, triggering side effects such as:
Due to the risk of constipation, these antispasmodics are best used in cases of diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) rather thanconstipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C).
Do Anticholinergic Drugs Work?Some older studies suggest drugs like Buscopan are effective in treating IBS. However, the 2021 clinical guidance from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends the use of other agents instead, including neuromodulators and chloride channel activators like Amitiza (lubiprostone).
Do Anticholinergic Drugs Work?
Some older studies suggest drugs like Buscopan are effective in treating IBS. However, the 2021 clinical guidance from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends the use of other agents instead, including neuromodulators and chloride channel activators like Amitiza (lubiprostone).
Direct Smooth Muscle Relaxants
A class of drugs called direct smooth muscle relaxants, which are synthetic anticholinergics,appear to be more effective at treating IBS than regular anticholinergics. These drugs also have fewer problems with side effects.
However, these antispasmodics aren’t currently FDA-approved for any use in the United States. Medications available in other countries include:
Direct smooth muscle relaxants very rarely have reports of side effects. When they are reported, common ones appear to be:
You shouldn’t take this type of antispasmodic if you haveparalytic ileus, a nerve condition that affects digestion.
Direct smooth muscle relaxants should be used with caution in:
Peppermint Oil
Some prescriptioncalcium channel blockersare used similarly to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and othercardiovascular disorders, because they relax smooth muscles in the blood vessels.
Peppermint oil is used for IBS, other digestive problems, and to treat sinus infections and headaches.Most of the research into the medicinal uses of peppermint oil has been related to IBS.
While considered safe for short-term use, peppermint oil is known to cause heartburn in some people. To avoid this side effect, you can useenteric-coated capsules. Their coating doesn’t dissolve until it’s farther along in the digestive system, which prevents irritation.
This natural antispasmodic should be used with caution if you have:
Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking peppermint oil or any other OTC supplement.
Certain people should avoid antispasmodic drugs. You shouldn’t take anticholinergics if you’re older than 65, pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have:
Other Ways to Treat IBS
In addition to antispasmodic medications, dietary changes can also significantly improve IBS symptoms.Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, you may want to:
Limiting foods that contain lactose, fructose, or FODMAPs (fermentableoligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) may offer benefits when managing IBS symptoms.
Summary
Treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may include antispasmodic drugs that work to prevent spasms in the smooth muscle of your digestive tract. Reducing the spasms can improve symptoms including abdominal pain and bloating, especially in people with diarrhea related to IBS-D.
Anticholinergics and direct smooth muscle relaxants, along with peppermint oil, may offer benefits. It’s important to note, however, that these medications may have side effects. People with certain health conditions may need to use other therapies.
Be sure to discuss IBS medications with your healthcare provider and closely follow their recommendation for treating your condition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo, but they can be helpful. They can be useful for diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). But since constipation is a side effect, these drugs should not be used for people with constipation-predominant IBS. Other treatments, including dietary changes and alternative therapies, may help.Learn MoreMind-Body Treatment Options for IBSPeppermint oil is the only OTC antispasmodic available in the U.S.
No, but they can be helpful. They can be useful for diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). But since constipation is a side effect, these drugs should not be used for people with constipation-predominant IBS. Other treatments, including dietary changes and alternative therapies, may help.Learn MoreMind-Body Treatment Options for IBS
No, but they can be helpful. They can be useful for diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). But since constipation is a side effect, these drugs should not be used for people with constipation-predominant IBS. Other treatments, including dietary changes and alternative therapies, may help.
Learn MoreMind-Body Treatment Options for IBS
Peppermint oil is the only OTC antispasmodic available in the U.S.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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