Managing IBS: 5 Types of Medication for IBS

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Are you experiencing Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Sometimes it can feel like IBS takes over aspects of your life, but you do not have to suffer alone. Whether you experience it mildly or severely, there is medication for IBS to help you. 

It is estimated that around 10% of the worldwide population has IBS, but that number may be greater due to the different symptoms IBS can present. While more research is needed to find the cause of IBS, there are treatment options that help address the other symptoms IBS can present.

The best place to start is to learn your IBS treatment options. Read on to learn five types of IBS medication. 

1. Anticholinergic IBS Medication 

A class of antispasmodic medications are anticholinergic medications for IBS management. These medications are used for a variety of conditions by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which can cause involuntary movements such as spasms and contractions in the gastrointestinal tract that many people with IBS experience.

Medications such as Buscopan are designed to help soothe cramps and contractions. Buscopan for IBS relief also addresses other uncomfortable IBS symptoms, such as:

• Stimulating digestion 
• Addressing irritation
• Reducing bloating

You usually take these medications daily. By working on your autonomous nervous system, these medicines can address many symptoms of IBS. There are appropriate for different types of IBS, including mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). 

2. Peppermint Oil

Humans have long used peppermint to address various issues. While it was formally recognized in the 1700s, there is evidence of its use in ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and other civilizations. And the good news is that there is medication for IBS that includes peppermint oil to help you find relief.

Peppermint is also considered an antispasmodic, but it works differently than other antispasmodic classes. It helps relax muscles by blocking calcium, which can cause muscle contractions. When calcium is blocked from entering the intestinal region, it means muscles stay relaxed.

Peppermint oil also has other properties, which make it a popular medication for IBS. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-serotonergic, and antigas.

It is best to use specific peppermint IBS treatment options, such as Apercap Peppermint Oil Capsules. Apercap works for IBS management in different ways, including addressing the following symptoms:

• Discomfort and pain
• Trapped wind
• Bloating

Peppermint oil medication can be useful for a variety of types of IBS, including IBS-D (diarrhea and abdominal discomfort) and IBS-C (constipation and pain). Colopep is another peppermint capsule for IBS. Colpermin Capsules also include peppermint oil to address hyperirritability in the bowel. 

3. Antispasmodic Drugs 

There are also smooth muscle relaxants that help reduce spasms and contractions in the gut. Compared to anticholinergic pathways, they work on the smooth muscle of the gut to relieve IBS symptoms. Studies have found that this type of IBS medication can help reduce gas, bloating, and urgency to go to the bathroom. 

There are several different types of antispasmodic drugs for IBS treatment. Alverine Citrate is a smooth muscle relaxant medication for treating various gastrointestinal conditions. Kolanticon and Meverbine are other options that can help reduce stomach cramps and other IBS symptoms. 

You can also try Fybogel Mebeverine if you suffer from constipation with your IBS. Fybogel Mebeverine is mixed with a laxative, which is useful for types of IBS such as IBS-C. Usually, you take Mebeverine before a meal, which is similar to many IBS medications. 

4. Anti-Inflammatory Medication 

Some people find anti-inflammatory medication useful for their IBS management. While IBS’s cause is unknown, there are many suspected triggers, such as stress. Some symptoms seem to play a role in IBS, such as inflammation. 

An example is Asacol, which focuses on reducing inflammation of the bowels. Another option is Entocort (Budesonide), which may help reduce symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

Anti-inflammatory drugs can be steroids or non-steroidal. For example, Entocort is a corticosteroid medication. Often these types of IBS treatment options are for short-term relief, such as during a flare-up of symptoms. This is because corticosteroid medications can have more side effects, which means they are more effective for short-term use when IBS symptoms are debilitating. 

These medications can also help when you begin long-term medication for IBS by controlling symptoms. This allows other IBS medications to work more effectively. Like many IBS medications, you usually take anti-inflammatory medications orally. 

5. Anti-Diarrheal and Constipation Medication

General anti-diarrheal and anti-constipation medication can also help address IBS symptoms. There are several types of anti-diarrheal medicines to try, including:

• Electrolyte powders such as Dirolyte
• Imodium and Immodium syrup 
• Norimode

What medication works for you depends on your specific IBS symptoms. As always, it is best to consult your primary care physician to determine the appropriate medication. 

Electrolyte powders such as dirolyte address the impact of dehydration on your body. Frequent diarrhea can dehydrate you, causing other symptoms to worsen. Dehydration also causes various health difficulties, from headaches and fatigue to medical emergencies.

Immodium and Norimode also help relieve diarrhea; however, if you are prone to experiencing constipation with your IBS, you should use this medication with care. 

If you experience constipation with your IBS, you can consider medications such as:

• Fybogel
• Ducolax
• Laxido 
• Movicol 
• Senna

These are types of laxatives. Laxatives stimulate movement through the bowel, which can reduce constipation and discomfort. However, laxatives are short-term solutions. They are helpful for IBS management during a flare-up, especially when symptoms are impacting daily life.

However, over time it is best to address the triggers of your IBS and find IBS treatment options that you can safely use long-term. 

Find Your Medication for IBS

Living with IBS can be overwhelming at times, especially during flare-ups. However, there are a variety of different IBS treatment options that can help. Find a medication for IBS that works for you, so you can then address some root causes of your IBS.

Kiwi Drug is an experienced international online pharmacy. We are dedicated to providing quality medication and reasonable prices for our customers. We also have a licensed online doctor if you need prescription advice. 

View our IBS medication page to get started.