Prescription Medication for Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5-HT3 for Depression: Like Lotronex, medications that target 5-HT3 receptors appear to have a beneficial effect on IBS symptoms. Remeron is a 5-HT3 medication that is indicated for the treatment of depression.

• Remeron (mirtazapine)

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are the newest weapons in the IBS-D arsenal. Several antibiotics have been studied due to their unique properties - they are not absorbed by the stomach and therefore are able to act on bacteria within the small and large intestine. These antibiotics are recommended for short-term use only as there is no research information yet available regarding the safety of long-term use. Of the following two most-studied antibiotics, Rifaximin shows a distinct advantage in terms of its effect on diarrhea and bloating.

• Rifaximin
• Neomycin

Sources:

American College of Gastroenterology IBS Task Force An Evidence-Based Position Statement on the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome American Journal of Gastroenterology 2009:S1-S35.

British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of the irritable bowel syndrome(2000) Jones, J. et.al. Gut 47:ii1-ii19.

Irritable bowel syndrome: diagnosis and management (2006) Agrawal, A. & Whorwell, P.J. British Medical Journal, 332:280-283.

FDA APPROVES RESTRICTED MARKETING OF LOTRONEX.

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