Which drugs are best for IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that afflicts many Britons and is commonly associated with food intolerances and stress.

Patients with the condition experience abdominal pain, cramps and abdominal distension, as well as a poor quality of life in severe cases.

Unfortunately, many of the treatments for IBS come with side effects, including nausea, insomnia, palpitations and decreased appetite.

However, Cedars-Sinai researchers claim that the drugs rifaximin and lubiprostone are two of the best options for treating the condition and have the lowest number of side effects.

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that stays in the gut and is commonly used to treat traveller's diarrhoea and hepatic encephalopathy. Consequently, it is best used among those patients who do not suffer constipation.

Those who do could benefit from the antidepressant lubiprostone, which stimulates the gut.

However, for those who have little success with medication alone, many people recommend hypnotherapy to treat IBS, specifically among patients whose condition is primarily stress related.

Controlling diet is also a vital way to manage the problem.

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