I love to read about studies looking at novel treatments for IBS. A recently published study took a look at the effects of an antihistamine, ketotifen, on IBS. Ketotifen is a medication currently used to treat conditions such as asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. In addition to its antihistamine properties, ketotifen is also known as a mast cell stabilizer.
According to the study abstract, mast cells are thought to play a role in the visceral hypersensitivity experienced by IBS patients. Therefore, the study assessed the effect of taking ketotifen on rectal sensitivity and other IBS symptoms. Sixty IBS patients agreed to be a part of the study, which involved rectal biopsies and rectal balloon insertion to assess rectal sensitivity. (If any of those study participants happen to be reading this, you have our gratitude!) Patients were randomly assigned to receive ketotifen or placebo, and the mast cell biopsies were compared to those of healthy control subjects.
The results indicated that ketotifen reduced rectal sensitivity in the IBS patients who demonstrated rectal sensitivity at the start of the study. In all patients, ketotifen decreased IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, and improved quality of life. On a chemical level, results were not as clear, as the medicine had no effect on the release of histamine or tryptase by the mast cells.
Keep in mind that this is just one study, but it does open up new avenues of IBS research and that is always a good thing. My curious brain wonders if this current study ties in with previous research (see Allergies and IBS), that found a higher incidence of IBS in patients seen in an allergy clinic. I'll keep my eye on all of those medical journals and keep you posted!
Source:
Klooker, T., et.al. "The mast cell stabiliser ketotifen decreases visceral hypersensitivity and improves intestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome" Gut 2010 59:1213-1221.
Related Reading:
| | Twitter | Newsletter Signup | Forum | |
For some time I have had a suspicion that taking Loretidine for my hay fever has had a SLIGHT positive effect on my IBS. After this I shall try to take more notice of it.
Anyone else trying Ketotifen for IBS???