Irritable bowel syndrome is a frequently seen digestive tract disorder that brings with it symptoms such as cramping, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Most people that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome do not exhibit severe symptoms and the problem can be kept under control with medications. Medications include those to relieve the pain associated with cramping, anti-diarrheal drugs, medications to reduce constipation and anti-spasmodic drugs such as Lotronex.
Lotronex
Lotronex, also known as Alosetron, is what is termed a nerve receptor antagonist. It is an anti-spasmodic drug that is designed to relax the muscles of the colon. It is a drug for women only, used when a woman suffers from severe diarrhea linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Lotronex was on the market for only 9 months before it was removed by the Food and Drug Administration. It was associated with two fatalities and was suspected to have precipitated terrible severe side effects in as many as 113 people that used it. Lotronex was put back into the market in 2002 but under restrictions from the FDA as to which doctors can prescribe it. Any physician prescribing this drug must have been enrolled in a special program that dealt with its use. Women who have severe diarrhea and have not been helped by any other medications for irritable bowel syndrome are candidates to try Lotronex.
Amitiza
Amitiza is also known as Lubiprostone. It is a drug that is intended for women that are 18 years old or older that suffer from constipation symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Taken 2 times each day, Amitiza can increase the secretion of fluids in the small intestine and by doing so allow stool to pass through the region. This drug can produce side effects such as nausea and diarrhea and has not proven to work for men.
Medications for Pain Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome pain medications focus on alleviating the cramping pain caused by the intestines. Drugs of this nature are made to be taken prior to meals, normally as much as 1/2 hour before eating. Medications of this type either can come in pill form or in a kind that can dissolve when placed under the person's tongue. Levsin, Levbid, NuLev, Bentyl and Donnatal are all medications for this purpose with children being able to take Pro-Banthine to relief irritable bowel pain.
Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Drugs that work by increasing water absorption in the colon and make a person's stool more consistent are called anti-diarrheal medicines. Medications like these are to be taken before a meal or a potentially stressful event which can cause symptoms of diarrhea linked to irritable bowel syndrome. Designed to be taken along with water, these medications can normally be used every day. Imodium is the most frequently recommended medication for this purpose. The aforementioned Lotronex is an anti-diarrheal as well.
Constipation Medications
Fiber supplements that are soluble in water are used in many instances of irritable bowel syndrome to deal with constipation symptoms. Using laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia is discouraged since they can become addictive and have a tendency to harm the colon by stimulating the lining of it. Drinking large amounts of water and getting proper amounts of exercise go a long way in helping with constipation that is brought about by irritable bowel syndrome.
Tags: bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel, irritable bowel, also known, associated with, constipation symptoms