Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIBS-D DrugsIBS-C DrugsAntidepressantsAntispasmodicsOther TreatmentsExperimental Drugs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
IBS-D Drugs
IBS-C Drugs
Antidepressants
Antispasmodics
Other Treatments
Experimental Drugs
Many types of medications are available for treatingirritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of them only address a particular digestivesymptom, while newer drugs are designed to address the overall dysfunction that underlies IBS and therefore may offer more complete relief.
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IBS SubtypesWhat drugs you take for IBS depends largely on which of the four subtypes you have:IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant)IBS-C (constipation-predominant)IBS-M (mixed diarrhea and constipation)IBS-U (unidentified bowel pattern)
IBS Subtypes
What drugs you take for IBS depends largely on which of the four subtypes you have:IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant)IBS-C (constipation-predominant)IBS-M (mixed diarrhea and constipation)IBS-U (unidentified bowel pattern)
What drugs you take for IBS depends largely on which of the four subtypes you have:
IBS-Specific Drugs: IBS-D
Xifaxan
Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic that was originally used to treattravelers' diarrheaandsmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO). Its FDA approval is for the treatment of “non-constipation IBS.”
Xifaxan works differently than most antibiotics. Rather than entering your bloodstream, it directly targets bacteria in your small and large intestines. It’s considered safe to use for up to three two-week courses.
Viberzi
Viberzi (eluxadoline) affects opioid receptors in your digestive system to relieve the symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS-D. Because Viberzi is anopioid medication, it is classified as a controlled substance, which causes some concern about a potential for addiction.
Not everyone can safely take Viberzi. Factors that make it dangerous for you include:
Imodium
However, the ACG guidelines recommend against loperamide as a first-line treatment for IBS because it addresses only diarrhea and not global symptoms.
Lotronex
However, this drug is linked to some serious side effects, including:
Because of these risks, the ACG recommends this medication only for women with severe IBS-D, and only when other treatments have failed to bring relief.
IBS-Specific Drugs: IBS-C
A few presciption medications are available and ACG-recommended for treating IBS-C. They include:
Ibsrela (tenapanor)Ibsrela (tenapanor) is an IBS-C drug that gained FDA approval in 2019. It increases the amount of sodium in the digestive tract,which increases the amount of water in the large intestine and softens stools. The ACG recommendations don’t mention this drug.
Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Ibsrela (tenapanor) is an IBS-C drug that gained FDA approval in 2019. It increases the amount of sodium in the digestive tract,which increases the amount of water in the large intestine and softens stools. The ACG recommendations don’t mention this drug.
Laxatives
Laxativesof all types are commonly used to relieve the symptom of constipation, especially Miralax (polyethylene glycol or PEG), which no longer requires a prescription.
One study found that PEG was helpful for easing constipation and softening stools, but not for relieving IBS pain. The ACG recommends against using laxatives containing PEG.
Antidepressantsare often used at low doses to treat IBS symptoms, since they have pain-relieving qualities and are safe for long-term use.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an antidepressant even if you are not depressed. If you do have depression or anxiety alongside your IBS, it is even more likely that your healthcare provider may choose this option.
In addition to relieving pain, antidepressants sometimes have side effects that involve digestion. As a result, your healthcare provider may make their choice of specific drugs based on whether you have IBS-C or IBS-D.
Available types include:
The ACG recommends TCAs above the other types of antidepressants for all subtypes of IBS.
Antispasmodic medicationsare commonly prescribed for IBS,as they can help to relieve the abdominal pain and cramping that is characteristic of the condition.
However, they tend to have a constipating effect and thus might not be the best choice for IBS-C. As research regarding the safety of antispasmodics for long-term use is limited, these medications may be more appropriate for short-term use only.
While the ACG recommends against using these drugs, common antispasmodics prescribed for IBS include:
Other Recommendations
The guidelines recommend against:
Possible Future Drugs
New medications are currently going through safety trialsand could eventually be used to treat IBS.
A Word From Verywell
While you have a variety of IBS medications to choose from, you may find that medication isn’t enough to totally eliminate your IBS symptoms. In some cases, the drugs cause unpleasant side effects that make you stop taking them.
Luckily, medication is not the only available treatment for IBS. Your other options includeover-the-counter remedies,dietary modifications, and psychological therapies. Keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider to arrive at the best treatment plan for you.
IBS Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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7 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.Fischbach W, Andresen V, Eberlin M, Mueck T, Layer P.A comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril with other treatments of acute diarrhea in adults.Front Med (Lausanne). 2016;3:44. doi:10.3389/fmed.2016.00044Lacy 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.0000000000001036MedlinePlus.Alosetron.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Highlights of prescribing information: Ibsrela (tenapanor) tablets, for oral use.Xie C, Tang Y, Wang Y, et al.Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8):e0127815. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127815Camilleri M, Ford AC.Pharmacotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome.J Clin Med. 2017;6(11). doi:10.3390/jcm6110101Peyton L, Greene J.Irritable bowel syndrome: current and emerging treatment options.P T. 2014;39(8):567-78.Additional ReadingLacy BE, Chey WD, Lembo AJ.New and emerging treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2015;11(4 Suppl 2):1-19.Lazaraki G, Chatzimavroudis G, Katsinelos P.Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(27):8867-8885. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.8867Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Corsetti M.Modern management of irritable bowel syndrome: More than motility.Dig Dis. 2016;34(5):566-573. doi:10.1159/000445265Trinkley KE, Nahata MC.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion. 2014;89(4):253-267. doi:10.1159/000362405
7 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.Fischbach W, Andresen V, Eberlin M, Mueck T, Layer P.A comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril with other treatments of acute diarrhea in adults.Front Med (Lausanne). 2016;3:44. doi:10.3389/fmed.2016.00044Lacy 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.0000000000001036MedlinePlus.Alosetron.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Highlights of prescribing information: Ibsrela (tenapanor) tablets, for oral use.Xie C, Tang Y, Wang Y, et al.Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8):e0127815. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127815Camilleri M, Ford AC.Pharmacotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome.J Clin Med. 2017;6(11). doi:10.3390/jcm6110101Peyton L, Greene J.Irritable bowel syndrome: current and emerging treatment options.P T. 2014;39(8):567-78.Additional ReadingLacy BE, Chey WD, Lembo AJ.New and emerging treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2015;11(4 Suppl 2):1-19.Lazaraki G, Chatzimavroudis G, Katsinelos P.Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(27):8867-8885. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.8867Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Corsetti M.Modern management of irritable bowel syndrome: More than motility.Dig Dis. 2016;34(5):566-573. doi:10.1159/000445265Trinkley KE, Nahata MC.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion. 2014;89(4):253-267. doi:10.1159/000362405
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.
Fischbach W, Andresen V, Eberlin M, Mueck T, Layer P.A comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril with other treatments of acute diarrhea in adults.Front Med (Lausanne). 2016;3:44. doi:10.3389/fmed.2016.00044Lacy 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.0000000000001036MedlinePlus.Alosetron.U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Highlights of prescribing information: Ibsrela (tenapanor) tablets, for oral use.Xie C, Tang Y, Wang Y, et al.Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8):e0127815. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127815Camilleri M, Ford AC.Pharmacotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome.J Clin Med. 2017;6(11). doi:10.3390/jcm6110101Peyton L, Greene J.Irritable bowel syndrome: current and emerging treatment options.P T. 2014;39(8):567-78.
Fischbach W, Andresen V, Eberlin M, Mueck T, Layer P.A comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of racecadotril with other treatments of acute diarrhea in adults.Front Med (Lausanne). 2016;3:44. doi:10.3389/fmed.2016.00044
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
MedlinePlus.Alosetron.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Highlights of prescribing information: Ibsrela (tenapanor) tablets, for oral use.
Xie C, Tang Y, Wang Y, et al.Efficacy and safety of antidepressants for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A meta-analysis.PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8):e0127815. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127815
Camilleri M, Ford AC.Pharmacotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome.J Clin Med. 2017;6(11). doi:10.3390/jcm6110101
Peyton L, Greene J.Irritable bowel syndrome: current and emerging treatment options.P T. 2014;39(8):567-78.
Lacy BE, Chey WD, Lembo AJ.New and emerging treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2015;11(4 Suppl 2):1-19.Lazaraki G, Chatzimavroudis G, Katsinelos P.Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(27):8867-8885. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.8867Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Corsetti M.Modern management of irritable bowel syndrome: More than motility.Dig Dis. 2016;34(5):566-573. doi:10.1159/000445265Trinkley KE, Nahata MC.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion. 2014;89(4):253-267. doi:10.1159/000362405
Lacy BE, Chey WD, Lembo AJ.New and emerging treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome.Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2015;11(4 Suppl 2):1-19.
Lazaraki G, Chatzimavroudis G, Katsinelos P.Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(27):8867-8885. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.8867
Tack J, Vanuytsel T, Corsetti M.Modern management of irritable bowel syndrome: More than motility.Dig Dis. 2016;34(5):566-573. doi:10.1159/000445265
Trinkley KE, Nahata MC.Medication management of irritable bowel syndrome.Digestion. 2014;89(4):253-267. doi:10.1159/000362405
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