OTC IBS Meds to relieve Belly Pain, Constipation, and Gases

IBS or Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition related to anxiety, stress, and depression. Symptoms of IBS may include constipation, diarrhea, belly pain, abdominal gases, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

All these symptoms can be treated with simple OTC IBS meds that are way cheaper than prescription medications.

In addition, these medications may at least give you temporary relief before you consult your doctor.

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OTC IBS Meds depend on the symptoms:

IBS patients can have any of the following types of IBS. These include:

• IBS-C:

As the name suggests, patients with IBS-C have predominant symptoms of constipation. Patients may complain about passing hard stools and infrequent bowel movements.

• IBS-D:

IBS-D patients have predominant symptoms of diarrhea. These patients have an urgency to have a bowel movement and frequent passage of loose and watery stools associated with abdominal pain.

• IBS-M:

These patients have mixed symptoms of IBS-C and IBS-D. These patients usually complain of passing hard stools followed by episodes of loose watery stools.

List of OTC IBS Meds:

Depending on your symptoms, you can choose one or more of the following OTC IBS Meds for symptomatic relief:

Over-the-counter medicine for IBS Constipation:

Over-the-counter medicines for IBS-C are mostly comprised of laxatives and stool softeners. These include:

• Fiber supplements:

Supplements containing psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation.

• Stool softeners:

These medications can help soften stools and make them easier to pass. Docusate sodium (Colace) is a common example.

• Lubricant laxatives:

These medications help to soften stools and make bowel movements easier by coating the stool with a slippery film. Mineral oil is a common example of this type of medication.

• Osmotic laxatives:

These medications work by drawing water into the colon to soften and loosen stool. Examples include magnesium citrate and polyethylene glycol (Miralax).

• Probiotics:

Probiotics containing certain bacterial strains, such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, may help improve gut health and alleviate IBS symptoms.

Best OTC Medicines for IBS Diarrhea:

IBS-D or IBS with predominant symptoms of diarrhea is another subtype of IBS. Patients with IBS-D usually pass frequent loose watery stools associated with abdominal pain.

Here is a list of OTC IBS Meds with predominant symptoms of diarrhea:

• Antidiarrheal medications:

These medications can help reduce diarrhea and slow down bowel movements. Some examples include loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

• Fiber supplements:

Supplements containing psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) can help regulate bowel movements and reduce diarrhea by absorbing excess water in the colon.

• Probiotics:

Probiotics containing certain bacterial strains, such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, may help improve gut health and alleviate IBS symptoms.

• Peppermint oil:

Peppermint oil supplements may help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea in people with IBS-D.

• Antispasmodic medications:

These medications can help relieve abdominal pain and cramping, which may be associated with IBS-D. Some examples include dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin).

Over-the-counter treatment for belly pain associated with IBS:

Patients with IBS usually have visceral pain that comes and goes. There is also a sense of bloating and fullness.

Here are some of the best OTC Meds for IBS-associated visceral or belly pain:

• Antispasmodic medications:

These medications work by relaxing the muscles in the intestines, which can help reduce cramping and pain. Examples include dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin).

• Peppermint oil:

Peppermint oil has a natural antispasmodic effect on the muscles in the gut and can help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Peppermint oil is available in capsule form, or as a liquid extract that can be added to tea or water.

• Pain relievers:

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can be helpful for reducing mild to moderate IBS pain.

However, be cautious with the use of ibuprofen, as it can irritate the stomach and exacerbate IBS symptoms in some people.

• Antacids:

Antacids such as calcium carbonate (Tums) or magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce pain caused by acid reflux or heartburn, which can be associated with IBS.

Best OTC for IBS Gas:

Gas and flatulence are very common symptoms of IBS. Gases are very uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Here is a list of the best OTC medicines for gases in patients with IBS:

• Simethicone:

Simethicone is an antifoaming agent that works by breaking up gas bubbles in the digestive tract, making them easier to pass.

Simethicone is available in chewable tablets, capsules, or liquids. Examples include Gas-X and Mylicon.

• Activated charcoal:

Activated charcoal is a supplement that can help absorb excess gas and toxins in the digestive tract, reducing bloating and gas. Activated charcoal is available in capsules or tablets.

• Digestive enzymes:

Digestive enzymes are supplements that help break down food in the digestive tract, which can reduce the amount of gas produced.

Digestive enzymes are available in capsules or tablets and usually contain a blend of enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase.

• Probiotics:

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and reduce gas and bloating.

Probiotics are available in capsule, tablet, or powder form, and may contain a variety of strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

• Peppermint oil:

Peppermint oil has a natural antispasmodic effect on the muscles in the gut and can help reduce gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Peppermint oil is available in capsule form, or as a liquid extract that can be added to tea or water.

In Conclusion:

Different medications are available to relieve the symptoms of IBS. These medications may be effective in one person and ineffective in another.

It is best to consult your healthcare provider especially if your symptoms persist or you have concomitant symptoms of fever, vomiting, weight loss, or blood in your stools.

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