There is no one-size-fits-all medication for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms and medical history. The treatment approach can vary from person to person, and initial treatment may include dietary changes or other non-medicinal options. However, medications can be used to help relieve symptoms.

Medications for IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS) focus on lowering the amount and frequency of loose stools. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) can help control diarrhea. Prescription medications include alosetron (Lotronex), eluxadoline (Viberzi), and rifaximin (Xifaxan) . Alosetron is designed to relax the colon and slow the movement of waste through the lower bowel, while eluxadoline can ease diarrhea by reducing muscle contractions and fluid secretion in the intestine. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that changes the amount of bacteria in the intestines and can help with both stomach pain and diarrhea.

Medications for IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS) work to soften hard stools and relieve constipation. Commonly used medications for IBS-C include linaclotide (Linzess), plecanatide (Trulance), and lubiprostone (Amitiza) .

Other medications that may be used to treat IBS include antispasmodics, such as dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin), which can help with abdominal pain. Low-dose antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and imipramine, may also be used to treat patients with severe or refractory IBS symptoms and may have analgesic and neuromodulatory benefits in addition to their psychotropic effects.

It is important to note that any medication taken for a therapeutic effect should be considered a drug, and the use of medications for IBS, whether prescription, over-the-counter, herbs, or supplements, should be considered carefully and in consultation with a healthcare provider.