If you haveirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may wonder which over-the-counter (OTC) medicine is the best for treating your symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing constipation, diarrhea, or bloat, you can find OTC medications at pharmacies and drugstores to help you get relief.
This article will describe common OTC remedies to relieve IBS symptoms and when to see your healthcare provider.
Products for Overall Digestive HealthStigur Karlsson / Vetta / Getty ImagesSome products can help relieve digestive distress regardless of whether your primary symptom is diarrhea or constipation. Some of them may aid gut motility, improve the bacterial balance in your digestive tract, or soothe hypersensitive or inflamed gut walls.Popular OTC treatments include:Herbal remedies: Peppermint oil, aloe vera, and slippery elm are among the top choices.Probiotics: “Friendly” bacteria may balance out “unfriendly” bacteria, reducing pain and severity of symptoms.Digestive enzymes: Beta-glucan fiber (from oats and barley) andinositolsupplements may significantly reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence.Vitamin D: A deficiency may be linked to IBS symptoms in some people.It’s worth noting that the American College of Gastroenterology’s guidelines for 2021 only recommend peppermint oil andprobiotics for treating IBS symptoms.
Products for Overall Digestive Health
Stigur Karlsson / Vetta / Getty Images
Some products can help relieve digestive distress regardless of whether your primary symptom is diarrhea or constipation. Some of them may aid gut motility, improve the bacterial balance in your digestive tract, or soothe hypersensitive or inflamed gut walls.
Popular OTC treatments include:
It’s worth noting that the American College of Gastroenterology’s guidelines for 2021 only recommend peppermint oil andprobiotics for treating IBS symptoms.
Constipation RemediesEcho / Cultura / Getty ImagesThere are several OTC options to consider for relieving constipation that comes with IBS, including:Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral and a natural laxative that can relax intestinal muscles and attract water to soften the stool.Laxatives: Severaltypes of laxativesare available that work in different ways. Miralax, Dulcolax, and Metamucil are common brands of laxatives.Stool softeners: Designed for short-term use, stool softeners (such as Colace) soften the stool and make it easier to pass.Flaxseed: Studies show flaxseed can relieve constipation and diarrhea, thanks to its fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds.Triphala: A combination of three fruits purported to be good for the gut, research suggests Triphala can restore the epithelial lining of the digestive tract.Atrantil: A dietary supplement designed specifically for constipation-predominant IBS, limited studies suggest Atrantil may reduce bloating and constipation.The ACG guidelines specifically recommend against the OTC laxative polyethylene glycol (PEG) and don’t mention any of the other treatments in this list.
Constipation Remedies
Echo / Cultura / Getty Images
There are several OTC options to consider for relieving constipation that comes with IBS, including:
The ACG guidelines specifically recommend against the OTC laxative polyethylene glycol (PEG) and don’t mention any of the other treatments in this list.
Diarrhea Remedies
BSIP / UIG / Universal Images Group / Getty Images
These may be used alone or as part of an overall treatment strategy:
The ACG recommends against loperamide as a first-line treatment forIBS-Dbecause it only addresses diarrhea and doesn’t improve other symptoms.
Bloat RemediesOTC drugs that canrelieve symptoms of bloating, like stomach pain, gas, and burping, include:Simethicone (common brand names include Gas-X, Alka-Seltzer Anti-Gas, andMylantaGas)Charcoal capsulesBeano(alpha-galactosidase)ProbioticsHerbal remedies, including peppermint and chamomile tea, anise, caraway, coriander, fennel, and turmeric
Bloat Remedies
OTC drugs that canrelieve symptoms of bloating, like stomach pain, gas, and burping, include:
When to See a Healthcare ProviderConsult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are not responding to OTC treatments or if they’re getting worse. Also, let them know if you’re experiencing additional symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, heartburn, or changes in stool.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are not responding to OTC treatments or if they’re getting worse. Also, let them know if you’re experiencing additional symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, heartburn, or changes in stool.
SummaryMany over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms of IBS, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. These include laxatives, probiotics, mineral supplements, and herbal remedies. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying a new product.
Summary
Many over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms of IBS, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. These include laxatives, probiotics, mineral supplements, and herbal remedies. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying a new product.
13 SourcesVerywell 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.Bahrami HR, Hamedi S, Salari R, Noras M.Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Electronic Physician. 2016;8(8):2719–2725. doi:10.19082/2719Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M.Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis.World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG. 2015 Mar 14;21(10):3072. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V, Doldo P.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci.2017;21(2 Suppl):102–107.Khayyat Y, Attar S.Vitamin D deficiency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Does it exist?Oman Med J. 2015;30(2):115–118. doi:10.5001/omj.2015.25Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Magnesium for constipation.Palla AH, Gilani AH.Dual effectiveness of flaxseed in constipation and diarrhea: Possible mechanism.Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Jul 1;169:60-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.064Tarasiuk A, Mosińska P, Fichna J.Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Chinese Medicine. 2018 Dec;13(1):39. doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0197-6Brown K, Scott-Hoy B, Jennings L.Efficacy of a quebracho, conker tree, and M. balsamea willd blended extract in a randomized study in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research. 2015 Sep 21;4(9):1762-7. doi:10.17554/j.issn.2224-3992.2015.04.560University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Calcium carbonate for diarrhea.University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Loperamide.American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Bloating.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Simethicone.
13 Sources
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.Bahrami HR, Hamedi S, Salari R, Noras M.Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Electronic Physician. 2016;8(8):2719–2725. doi:10.19082/2719Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M.Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis.World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG. 2015 Mar 14;21(10):3072. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V, Doldo P.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci.2017;21(2 Suppl):102–107.Khayyat Y, Attar S.Vitamin D deficiency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Does it exist?Oman Med J. 2015;30(2):115–118. doi:10.5001/omj.2015.25Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Magnesium for constipation.Palla AH, Gilani AH.Dual effectiveness of flaxseed in constipation and diarrhea: Possible mechanism.Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Jul 1;169:60-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.064Tarasiuk A, Mosińska P, Fichna J.Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Chinese Medicine. 2018 Dec;13(1):39. doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0197-6Brown K, Scott-Hoy B, Jennings L.Efficacy of a quebracho, conker tree, and M. balsamea willd blended extract in a randomized study in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research. 2015 Sep 21;4(9):1762-7. doi:10.17554/j.issn.2224-3992.2015.04.560University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Calcium carbonate for diarrhea.University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Loperamide.American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Bloating.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Simethicone.
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.
Bahrami HR, Hamedi S, Salari R, Noras M.Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Electronic Physician. 2016;8(8):2719–2725. doi:10.19082/2719Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M.Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis.World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG. 2015 Mar 14;21(10):3072. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V, Doldo P.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci.2017;21(2 Suppl):102–107.Khayyat Y, Attar S.Vitamin D deficiency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Does it exist?Oman Med J. 2015;30(2):115–118. doi:10.5001/omj.2015.25Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Magnesium for constipation.Palla AH, Gilani AH.Dual effectiveness of flaxseed in constipation and diarrhea: Possible mechanism.Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Jul 1;169:60-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.064Tarasiuk A, Mosińska P, Fichna J.Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Chinese Medicine. 2018 Dec;13(1):39. doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0197-6Brown K, Scott-Hoy B, Jennings L.Efficacy of a quebracho, conker tree, and M. balsamea willd blended extract in a randomized study in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research. 2015 Sep 21;4(9):1762-7. doi:10.17554/j.issn.2224-3992.2015.04.560University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Calcium carbonate for diarrhea.University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Loperamide.American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Bloating.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Simethicone.
Bahrami HR, Hamedi S, Salari R, Noras M.Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.Electronic Physician. 2016;8(8):2719–2725. doi:10.19082/2719
Didari T, Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M.Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis.World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG. 2015 Mar 14;21(10):3072. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i10.3072
Spagnuolo R, Cosco C, Mancina RM, Ruggiero G, Garieri P, Cosco V, Doldo P.Beta-glucan, inositol and digestive enzymes improve quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci.2017;21(2 Suppl):102–107.
Khayyat Y, Attar S.Vitamin D deficiency in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Does it exist?Oman Med J. 2015;30(2):115–118. doi:10.5001/omj.2015.25
Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: Management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Magnesium for constipation.
Palla AH, Gilani AH.Dual effectiveness of flaxseed in constipation and diarrhea: Possible mechanism.Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015 Jul 1;169:60-8. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.064
Tarasiuk A, Mosińska P, Fichna J.Triphala: current applications and new perspectives on the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Chinese Medicine. 2018 Dec;13(1):39. doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0197-6
Brown K, Scott-Hoy B, Jennings L.Efficacy of a quebracho, conker tree, and M. balsamea willd blended extract in a randomized study in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research. 2015 Sep 21;4(9):1762-7. doi:10.17554/j.issn.2224-3992.2015.04.560
University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Calcium carbonate for diarrhea.
University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine.Loperamide.
American Academy of Family Physicians. FamilyDoctor.org.Bloating.
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Simethicone.
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