What is the treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
A. Many options are available to treat IBS symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatment options for your particular symptoms and encourage you to manage stress and make changes to your diet. Medications can help relieve symptoms and fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or medicines may decrease diarrhea. A prescription medication specifically to treat IBS is alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex). Lotronex has been reapproved with significant restrictions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. Talk to your doctor to find the best combination of medicine, diet, counseling, and support to control your symptoms.
