Medicines For Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Relief for Digestive Issues

Patients suffering from IBS can get severe constipation. In this condition, they have difficulty in defecation. One may also have to suffer from abdominal pain, heaviness and cramps. In such a situation, some medicines can relieve constipation -

• Linaclotide - Linaclotide is a capsule. It can prove to be effective for IBS patients with constipation. This medicine can be taken on an empty stomach or 30 to 60 minutes before eating. This medicine can help in expelling stool. It provides relief from constipation, but this medicine can cause diarrhea. Children under the age of 17 should not take this medicine.
• Lubiprostone - Lubiprostone medicine can prove to be effective for those who face symptoms of constipation in IBS. This medicine can increase the secretion of liquid in the small intestine, which makes the stool pass easily, but this medicine is used to treat serious patients. This medicine can also cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fainting and swelling in the legs.
• Fiber supplements - Many patients with IBS face constipation. In this situation, the doctor may recommend taking fiber supplements. Fiber can help the intestines to digest food. This can relieve constipation.
• Laxatives - When fiber supplements do not relieve the problem of constipation, the doctor may recommend taking laxatives. This can help to a great extent in relieving constipation.
• Plecanatide - Plecanatide medicine can relieve constipation by reducing stomach cramps and pain. This medicine can be taken with or after food. This medicine helps in increasing the liquid in the intestines. This makes bowel movement easier.

(Read more - Yoga for irritable bowel syndrome)

Some patients of irritable bowel syndrome may also have diarrhea. In such a case, the following types of medicines can be effective -

• Alosetron - If you see symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, you can take Alosetron medicine. Alosetron medicine helps in relaxing the colon. It also helps in reducing diarrhea. Alosetron medicine is considered more beneficial for those women who have complaints of diarrhea. This medicine should be taken only on the advice of a doctor, as it can also cause some side effects.
• Eluxadoline - Eluxadoline medicine can also provide relief from the problem of irritable bowel syndrome. This medicine can help in reducing the symptoms of IBS. This medicine can reduce diarrhea by contracting the muscles. Always take this medicine only on the advice of a doctor. By taking this medicine, you may see side effects like nausea, stomach pain and constipation.
• Loperamide - Diarrhea is a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. In such a situation, Loperamide medicine can prove to be effective. This medicine can help control diarrhea.

(Read more - Exercises for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS))

In case of irritable bowel syndrome, a person may also have to face symptoms like pain and depression. In such a situation, some medicines can be effective in reducing these symptoms -

• Tricyclic antidepressants - Tricyclic antidepressants medicines can be effective for irritable bowel syndrome patients. These medicines can help in relieving depression. They can also reduce pain and can also block the neurons that control the intestines. In this situation, the doctor can prescribe Imipramine, Desipramine or Nortriptyline.
• Antispasmodics - These medicines can control the spasms of the muscles of the colon. At the same time, in some cases, this medicine also has side effects, such as sleepiness and constipation etc.
• Probiotics - These are a type of live bacteria and yeast, which are good for health and digestive system. Doctors may often ask to take them in for digestive problems.

(Read more - Chronic Diarrhea)