Irritable bowel syndrome medications available at present cannot directly treat IBS itself. This reflects the fact that the medical world is still unsure of exactly what causes the disorder.
However, many irritable bowel syndrome medications are available for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Anti-spasmodics are often prescribed to stop intestinal spasms; antidiarrheals are prescribed for diarrhea, and anti-depressants are prescribed to alleviate the pain caused by the disorder.
In the past few years, however, a crop of new irritable bowel syndrome medications specifically made for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms have been produced.
Prescription irritable bowel syndrome medications like Amitiza, Lotronex and Zelnorm have had their share of successes, but they may also have their drawbacks. These drugs are very powerful and should not be taken without a medical prescription.
Amitiza
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is an irritable bowel syndrome medication used for chronic constipation treatment in adults. That is just a fancy way of saying that it treats constipation that has persisted for a relatively long period of time.
Amitiza is often prescribed to patients who have fewer than three bowel movements a week, and whose stools are hard and dry. The irritable bowel syndrome medication makes such stools easier to pass by increasing the secretion of fluid in the intestines.
Lotronex
Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) is an irritable bowel syndrome medication that treats diarrhea symptoms. It works on neurons in the digestive tract, blocking the action of serotonin in the gut and decreasing motility.
Lotronex enjoyed a run of success when it was first released in the year 2000, but was withdrawn from shelves when reports about fatal conditions possibly traceable to the medication came out in the media.
Some patients also complained that taking the irritable bowel syndrome medication not only just cured their diarrhea; it actually made them seriously constipated.
In 2002, Lotronex was once again made available to the public due to the firm demand of many irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. It is one of the most commonly used irritable bowel syndrome medications for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms today. It is taken in tablet form.
Zelnorm
Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), also known as Zelmac, is an irritable bowel syndrome medication, which treats symptoms of constipation. Simply put, it eases the movement of stools through the bowels.
Zelnorm has almost exactly the opposite effect that Lotronex does. It works by increasing the action of serotonin in the gut, which leads to faster motility. It relieves stomach pain, bloating and constipation.
Zelnorm comes in form of a tablet and is intended to be taken for short periods of a few weeks or months at a time rather than for an indefinite period.
The efficiency of Zelnorm seems to decrease after a few months, at which time the patient must discontinue use and use another irritable bowel syndrome medication for constipation, such as Amitiza.
Be cautious while using the above-mentioned irritable bowel syndrome medications. It is really a bad idea to get irritable bowel syndrome medications without a prescription. Do not buy these drugs over the internet either.
Before trying any irritable bowel syndrome medications, always consult a doctor, and be sure to report any side effects. Remember that the goal is to help you achieve respite from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
If these irritable bowel syndrome medications replace those symptoms with other symptoms, then taking them is not in your best interests.
elated Posts
- IBS Medications
- IBS Treatment In Its First Year
- IBS Treatment – Colon Cleansing
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment – Enemas
- IBS Treatment – Which Type Of Treatment Is Best?
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – What Happens If Left Untreated
The information provided by the IBS guide is for general informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the site or reliance on any information provided on the site. Your use of the site and your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.