Irritable Bowel Syndrome refers to a series of multiple disorder of the digestive system. It is characterized by irregular bowels, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. The other prominent symptoms include stomach bloating and flatulence. IBS is aggravated by other anxiety disorders as well. It is also a chronic disease that remains incurable for a prolonged period.

Despite the progress in the field of medical science, there is no specific medication for irritable bowel syndrome.

• Dietary changes
• Medications for abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea
• Probiotics
• Counseling

Dietary Changes as A Form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication

The first irritable bowel syndrome medication should be a change in your diet plan. This involves the following steps:

• The first change you make should be to exclude aerated drinks and beverages, especially coffee. Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower must be avoided to prevent stomach bloating. Raw fruits increase flatulence, so you should cut that out too.
• Avoid gluten enriched food items like wheat, barley, and rye. Research has shown that gluten-free food decreases chances of diarrhea.
• Carbohydrates like fructose, fructans, and lactose are termed FODMAPs. FODMAPs are Fermentable Oligo Di and Monosaccharide and Polyposis. You may be allergic to the FODMAP group, which includes food like grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. This allergen triggers irritation in your digestive system, causing IBS. Avoiding them is as important as taking the best irritable bowel syndrome medication.

Special Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication
At present, there are two irritable bowel syndrome medications available. They specifically address the direct symptoms and relieve discomfort.

• Alosetron or Lotronex aims to relax your colon and ensures slow bowel movements. It must be prescribed to you by a doctor. There are specific directions you should follow during the administration of the drug. It has shown positive results in women suffering from severe IBS when other treatments failed. However, it cannot be administered to men. It must be administered only when other treatments fail.
• Lubiprostone or Amitiza is another special irritable bowel syndrome medication. It stimulates the secretion of fluids in the small intestine, regularizing your bowel movement. It is administered to adult women suffering from IBS with constipation. Its effect on men and long-term use is yet to be proved. However, there can be side effects like nausea and diarrhea. This is another last resort treatment for IBS.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication For Diarrhea
Severe diarrhea can lead to irritable bowel syndrome. Below are cited some useful drugs to treat diarrhea.

• Antidiarrheals like atropine, diphenoxylate, and loperamide are popular choices. They are quite useful as irritable bowel syndrome medication.
• Bile acid binding agents like cholestyramine are also useful when dealing with IBS. A common brand under this category is Prevalite.
• Rifaximin is another antidiarrheal drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. It cures ailments like chronic diarrhea and stomach bloating. It can be taken for 14 continuous days.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication For Constipation

• Just like diarrhea treatment, constipation medicines are also useful in treating IBS. Most constipation medications are available over the counter. They can be consumed without the need for a proper prescription. However, if the problem persists, do not hesitate to visit your doctor. Some irritable bowel syndrome medications for constipation are listed below.
• Osmotic laxatives like Milk of Magnesia and Lactulose are effective medications for constipation. Osmotic laxatives influx water into the intestines that adds bulk to your stool. This smoothens bowel movement.
• Stimulant Laxatives help when osmotic laxatives fail. They stimulate the nerves in the colon to allow easy passage of stool. Senokot is a popular stimulant laxative used to cure constipation.

Antibiotics
In some cases, antibiotics have shown a remarkable result in treating IBS. Some infections in the digestive system are due to the presence of bacteria. Administration of a good antibiotic in consultation with your doctor is highly effective. Rifaximin, as stated earlier, is a good irritable bowel syndrome medication.

Antidepressants as Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication
IBS often triggers depression and anxiety in patients. It is due to the irritation and discomfort felt over a prolonged period. Antidepressants help you in curbing and controlling anxieties. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and Prozac helps control anxiety symptoms. It aids in combating depression due to IBS. Antianxiety agents like diazepam and valium are effective in treating depression for a short term.

Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that inhabit the digestive system. They regularize bowel movement by enhancing metabolism rate. Additional probiotic supplements bear positive results as irritable bowel syndrome medication.