Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that prevents food from moving through your intestines normally. The food may move through too slowly or too quickly. This causes abdominal pain, bloating, increased gas, constipation, or diarrhea.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have severe abdominal pain.
• Your bowel movements are dark or have blood in them.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have pain in your rectum.
• You are losing weight without trying.
• Your abdominal pain does not go away, even after treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• dicyclomine
• Bentyl
• Linzess
• Donnatal
• Librax

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Medicines help you have a bowel movement, soften your bowel movement, or treat diarrhea. You may also need medicine to relax your muscles. This will decrease abdominal pain and muscles spasms.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage IBS:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods. You may need to avoid certain foods to decrease your symptoms. Ask your provider about diets that might help your symptoms, such as the low FODMAP diet.
• Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.
• Exercise regularly. Ask about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can decrease your blood pressure and improve your health.
• Keep a record for 3 weeks. Include everything you eat and drink and your symptoms. Bring this record with you to your follow-up visits.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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