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Medications for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The medications listed below are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

Drug name Rating Reviews Activity ? Rx/OTC Pregnancy CSA Alcohol
dicyclomine 7.3 281 reviews for dicyclomine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx B N X
Generic name:
dicyclomine systemic
Brand name:
Bentyl
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Bentyl 7.2 135 reviews for Bentyl to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx B N X
Generic name:
dicyclomine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
hyoscyamine 7.7 98 reviews for hyoscyamine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Brand names:
Levsin, Levsin SL, Levbid, Anaspaz, NuLev, Ed-Spaz, Hyosyne, Oscimin, Symax Duotab, Symax SL, Symax SR
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Linzess 8.5 2 reviews for Linzess to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N
Generic name:
linaclotide systemic
Drug class:
guanylate cyclase-C agonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
amitriptyline Off-label 8.5 156 reviews for amitriptyline to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
amitriptyline systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Donnatal 9.3 46 reviews for Donnatal to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Amitiza Rate Add review Rx C N
Generic name:
lubiprostone systemic
Drug class:
chloride channel activators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Librax 8.7 64 reviews for Librax to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx D N X
Generic name:
chlordiazepoxide / clidinium systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
chlordiazepoxide / clidinium 8.6 76 reviews for chlordiazepoxide / clidinium to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx D N X
Generic name:
chlordiazepoxide / clidinium systemic
Brand name:
Librax
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
cholestyramine Off-label 8.7 117 reviews for cholestyramine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N
Generic name:
cholestyramine systemic
Drug class:
bile acid sequestrants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Off-label:
Yes
escitalopram Off-label 7.4 23 reviews for escitalopram to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
escitalopram systemic
Drug class:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Levsin 6.2 16 reviews for Levsin to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Levsin SL 9.8 6 reviews for Levsin SL to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Xifaxan Rate Add review Rx C N
Generic name:
rifaximin systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous antibiotics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Lotronex Rate Add review Rx B N
Generic name:
alosetron systemic
Drug class:
serotoninergic neuroenteric modulators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine 9.2 54 reviews for atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine systemic
Brand names:
Donnatal, Phenohytro
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Metamucil 7.5 27 reviews for Metamucil to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
nortriptyline Off-label 8.2 62 reviews for nortriptyline to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx N N X
Generic name:
nortriptyline systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
venlafaxine Off-label 8.4 19 reviews for venlafaxine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
venlafaxine systemic
Drug class:
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
psyllium 7.6 38 reviews for psyllium to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Brand names:
Metamucil, Hydrocil, Natural Fiber Therapy
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Viberzi Rate Add review Rx 4 X
Generic name:
eluxadoline systemic
Drug class:
peripheral opioid receptor mixed agonists/antagonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Levbid Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Anaspaz 2.0 1 review for Anaspaz to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
doxepin Off-label 8.4 7 reviews for doxepin to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx N N X
Generic name:
doxepin systemic
Drug class:
miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
loperamide 8.7 3 reviews for loperamide to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Brand names:
Imodium, Anti-Diarrheal, Diamode, Imodium A-D, Up and Up Anti-Diarrheal Solution
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
alosetron 7.0 6 reviews for alosetron to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx B N
Generic name:
alosetron systemic
Brand name:
Lotronex
Drug class:
serotoninergic neuroenteric modulators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
clomipramine Off-label 9.0 3 reviews for clomipramine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
clomipramine systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Imodium Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
linaclotide 6.6 19 reviews for linaclotide to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N
Generic name:
linaclotide systemic
Brand name:
Linzess
Drug class:
guanylate cyclase-C agonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
lubiprostone 5.0 1 review for lubiprostone to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N
Generic name:
lubiprostone systemic
Brand name:
Amitiza
Drug class:
chloride channel activators
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
NuLev Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
rifaximin 6.5 41 reviews for rifaximin to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N
Generic name:
rifaximin systemic
Brand name:
Xifaxan
Drug class:
miscellaneous antibiotics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Anti-Diarrheal Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
desipramine Off-label 7.4 14 reviews for desipramine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx N N X
Generic name:
desipramine systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Diamode Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Ed-Spaz Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
eluxadoline 6.0 1 review for eluxadoline to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx 4 X
Generic name:
eluxadoline systemic
Brand name:
Viberzi
Drug class:
peripheral opioid receptor mixed agonists/antagonists
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph
Hydrocil Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Hyosyne 7.5 2 reviews for Hyosyne to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
imipramine Off-label 7.0 6 reviews for imipramine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx N N X
Generic name:
imipramine systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
Imodium A-D Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus 6.0 1 review for lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome OTC N N
Generic name:
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus systemic
Brand names:
BD Lactinex, Floranex
Drug class:
antidiarrheals, probiotics
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
methscopolamine Off-label 6.9 12 reviews for methscopolamine to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
methscopolamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes
MiraLAX Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Oscimin Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Symax Duotab 8.3 4 reviews for Symax Duotab to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Symax SL Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Symax SR Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
hyoscyamine systemic
Drug class:
anticholinergics/antispasmodics
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Up and Up Anti-Diarrheal Solution Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N X
Generic name:
loperamide systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
BD Lactinex Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals, probiotics
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
ClearLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Floranex 6.0 1 review for Floranex to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome OTC N N
Generic name:
lactobacillus acidophilus / lactobacillus bulgaricus systemic
Drug class:
antidiarrheals, probiotics
For consumers:
interactions, side effects
GaviLAX Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Gialax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
GlycoLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
HealthyLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Natural Fiber Therapy Rate Add review OTC N N
Generic name:
psyllium systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
PEG3350 Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
Phenohytro 5.5 2 reviews for Phenohytro to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome Rx C N X
Generic name:
atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine systemic
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
polyethylene glycol 3350 Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Brand names:
MiraLAX, ClearLax, GaviLAX, Gialax, GlycoLax, HealthyLax, PEG3350, Purelax, SunMark ClearLax
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
Purelax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
Prescribing Information
SunMark ClearLax Rate Add review Rx/OTC C N
Generic name:
polyethylene glycol 3350 systemic
Drug class:
laxatives
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
trimipramine Off-label Rate Add review Rx C N X
Generic name:
trimipramine systemic
Drug class:
tricyclic antidepressants
For consumers:
dosage, interactions, side effects
For professionals:
AHFS DI Monograph, Prescribing Information
Off-label:
Yes

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Frequently asked questions

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Topics under Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Alternative treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Learn more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)

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Rating For ratings, users were asked how effective they found the medicine while considering positive/adverse effects and ease of use (1 = not effective, 10 = most effective).
Activity Activity is based on recent site visitor activity relative to other medications in the list.
Rx Prescription only.
OTC Over-the-counter.
Rx/OTC Prescription or Over-the-counter.
Off-label This medication may not be approved by the FDA for the treatment of this condition.
EUA An Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows the FDA to authorize unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in a declared public health emergency when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.
Expanded Access Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available.
Pregnancy Category
A Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
B Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
D There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks.
X Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
N FDA has not classified the drug.
Controlled Substances Act (CSA) Schedule
M The drug has multiple schedules. The schedule may depend on the exact dosage form or strength of the medication.
U CSA Schedule is unknown.
N Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
1 Has a high potential for abuse. Has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. There is a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
2 Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
3 Has a potential for abuse less than those in schedules 1 and 2. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
4 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.
5 Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 4. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 4.
Alcohol
X Interacts with Alcohol.

Further information

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