However, these drugs are not meant to be used for more than a few days.
This article lists the OTC and prescription drugs commonly used for diarrhea-predominant IBS.
These include some drugs that are frequently used off-label when other options fail to provide relief.
However, they can cause side effects if misused or overused.
These drugs should only be used under the direction of a healthcare provider for a limited period.
It works by slowing intestinal contractions, thereby increasing the absorption of water from stool.
This creates firmer stools and reduces the frequency of bowel movements.
Imodium should not be used for more than two days without your healthcare provider’s OK.
This can lead to dizziness, muscle spasms, heart palpitations, andtinnitus(ringing in the ears).
Can Probiotics Help IBS-D Symptoms?
Some studies suggest thatprobiotic supplements may help ease IBS-D symptomsover time, while others found no such benefit.
Research suggests that IBS-D may be caused in part by the overgrowth of bacteria.
Bringing down the bacterial population may help ease diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Its limited action may help ease acute IBS-D episodes and prevent recurrence.
Xifaxan is taken by mouth for no longer than two weeks.
Side effects include dizziness, lower back pain, frequent urge to urinate, jitteriness, and trouble sleeping.
It blocks signals from the brain to the intestines that regulateperistalsis(intestinal contractions).
By doing so, it allows more water to be absorbed from stool.
It is listed as a controlled substance due to a risk of drug dependence (addiction).
It works by blocking the action of aneurotransmittercalledserotoninthat helps trigger peristalsis.
Lotronox is only used when severe IBS-associated diarrhea persists for six months.
Lotronox is taken once or twice daily by mouth.
Common side effects include constipation, nausea, stomach pain, shakiness, heartburn, and headache.
It is used off-label for IBS-D, usually when severe diarrhea cannot be controlled with OTC antidiarrheals.
As with Imodium, Lomotil slows down intestinal contractions, relieving diarrhea and easing stomach pain.
Side effects include constipation, dry skin, dry mouth, dizziness, bloating, and decreased urination.
Some antispasmodic are taken up to four times daily to treat acute IBS-D symptoms.
They can also ease anxiety and stress that can trigger IBS symptoms.
Antidepressants are typically dosed on a once-daily schedule.
The increased acidity promotes fluid secretion in the lining of the gut, leading to diarrhea.
Drugs classified asbile acid sequestrants(a.k.a.
The drugs are typically taken once daily until symptoms ease.
OTC options include antidiarrheals like Imodium (loperamide) and bismuth subsalicylate found in Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate.
2017;6(11):101. doi:10.3390/jcm6110101
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Imodium label.
2019;11(9):2048. doi:10.3390/nu11092048
Salix Pharmaceuticals,.XIFAXAN (rifaximin) tablets.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) information.
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Irritable bowel syndrome.
2022 Sep;20(9):20832090.e1.
