| [ Summary ] |
Current treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are limited. Treatment includes education around the disease and its life cycle, advice on dietary modifications, a pharmacologic agent, and psychotherapy. One of the most effective treatment options for IBS is pharmacologic therapy. 5‒HT3 receptor antagonists are effective for male patients with IBS with diarrhea (IBS‒D). Laxatives are also effective for patients with IBS with constipation (IBS‒C). Polycarbophil calcium is the most common drug for patients with any subtypes of IBS. Antidiarrheal agents are effective for patients with IBS‒D.
Sedative agents are effective for IBS patients with anxiety. Herbal medicine is also sometimes effective for patients with IBS. The patient‒doctor relationship is key in the treatment of IBS. |