1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Over-the-Counter for IBS
Are OTCs for IBS Safe and Effective?

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated October 05, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Due to the fact that there is no one medication that can cure IBS, patients are faced with the difficult task of trying to choose among the wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products that are advertised for IBS. To help you in your search for symptom relief, the following articles are offered to give you an overview of some of the more popular IBS remedies, summarize any research support for their effectiveness, and give you the information that you need to decide if the product is right for you. Don't forget to make sure you get the go-ahead from your doctor before trying any new treatment option.

1. Products for Overall Digestive Health

Photo: Andersen Ross/Getty Images
As puzzling as it may seem, there are products that are helpful in relieving digestive distress regardless of whether your primary symptom is diarrhea or constipation. The multiple factors that may contribute to IBS symptoms are reflected in the purported actions of these various remedies, whether it be aiding gut motility, improving the bacterial balance in your digestive tract or soothing hypersensitive or inflamed gut walls.

2. Constipation Remedies

It seems that you have to walk in the shoes of someone who suffers from chronic constipation to truly understand the suffering involved. Constipation can be a very vexing problem with no easy solutions. For some individuals, one of the following OTCs may be all that is needed, while for others the OTC is only a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

3. Diarrhea Remedies

The unpredictable and intrusive nature of chronic diarrhea lends itself to the very human desire to “MAKE IT STOP NOW!” Although not the miracle cure that is so desperately needed, the following products may serve to provide some relief, either alone or as part of an overall treatment strategy.

IBS Home Page

Explore Irritable Bowel Syndrome
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  4. Treatment
  5. OTCs for IBS - Over-the-Counter Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.