No single medication treats IBS — treatment depends on type and predominant symptoms. Some medications are available OTC but consulting a doctor is best.
Medications by Type:
- For cramps: Mebeverine (Duspatalin) or Hyoscine — relax intestinal muscles. Available OTC.
- For constipation (IBS-C): Lactulose or Macrogol (Movicol) — safe laxatives. Severe cases: Linaclotide by prescription.
- For diarrhea (IBS-D): Loperamide (Imodium) — as needed only, not continuously. Severe cases: Rifaximin by prescription.
- For bloating: Simethicone (Deflatine) — reduces gas. Peppermint oil capsules — scientifically proven effective.
- For associated anxiety: Sometimes low-dose antidepressants (Amitriptyline) — not for depression but to calm gut nerves.
- Probiotics: Specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — improve symptoms long-term.
Important Advice:
Don't self-treat with antibiotics — IBS isn't an infection. Random antibiotics worsen symptoms by destroying beneficial bacteria.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we prescribe appropriate treatment based on IBS type and symptom severity.