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Guideline

Pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Retired
This guidance has been updated. Review the latest recommendations.
How to pick the right drugs for your patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Published September 14, 2014
  • David S. Weinberg, Walter Smalley, Joel J. Heidelbaugh, Shahnaz Sultan on behalf of the AGA Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee

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Recommendations

1. AGA recommends using linaclotide (over no drug treatment) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

2. AGA suggests using lubiprostone (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS-C.

3. AGA suggests using laxatives (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS-C.

4. AGA suggests using rifaximin (over no drug treatment) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS–D).

5. AGA suggests using alosetron (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS-D to improve global symptoms.

6. AGA suggests using loperamide (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS-D.

7. AGA suggests using tricyclic antidepressants (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS.

8. AGA suggests against using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for patients with IBS.

9. AGA suggests using antispasmodics (over no drug treatment) in patients with IBS.

DOI:
  • Resources

Resources

Patient guide
Technical review
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