Drugs for Constipation/IBS-C

⚕️ Constipation & IBS-C Management: Key Molecules & Brands in India

🔹 Introduction

Constipation aur IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation) common gastrointestinal complaints hain.

  • Causes: low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, medications, or functional gut disorder.
  • Goals of therapy:
    • Relief from constipation
    • Improve bowel regularity
    • Reduce abdominal discomfort & bloating

Doctors alag-alag categories ki medicines prescribe karte hain, depending on severity and patient profile.

🔹 1. Osmotic Laxatives

✦ Lactulose

  • Brands: Duphalac, Cremaffin Plus
  • Use: Chronic constipation, hepatic encephalopathy
  • Note: Safe for long-term use, works by drawing water into intestines

✦ Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

  • Brands: Peglec, Miralax
  • Use: Bowel cleansing (colonoscopy prep), chronic constipation
  • Note: Effective osmotic agent, minimal systemic absorption

🔹 2. Bulk-forming Agents

✦ Psyllium Husk (Isabgol)

  • Brand: Isabgol (generic Ayurvedic preparation widely used)
  • Use: Mild constipation, IBS-C, adds bulk to stool
  • Note: Requires adequate water intake to avoid bloating

🔹 3. Secretagogues (Newer Drugs, Limited in India)

✦ Lubiprostone

  • Brand: Amitiza
  • Use: Chronic constipation, IBS-C
  • Note: Chloride channel activator; improves stool passage, less available in India

✦ Linaclotide

  • Brand: Linzess
  • Use: IBS-C with abdominal pain and bloating
  • Note: Guanylate cyclase-C agonist; limited access in India, but used worldwide

🔹 4. Stimulant Laxatives (Rescue Therapy)

  • Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
  • Senna (Senokot)
  • Use: Short-term relief of acute constipation
  • Note: Not recommended for long-term use (risk of dependency & gut irritation)

📝 Conclusion

  • First-line: Lifestyle modifications (fiber diet, hydration, exercise) + bulk agents (Isabgol)
  • Chronic constipation: Lactulose or PEG safe and effective
  • IBS-C: Lubiprostone, Linaclotide (where available)
  • Rescue: Stimulant laxatives for short-term use only

Effective management requires individualized therapy and regular follow-up to avoid chronic complications.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a gastroenterologist before starting or changing constipation/IBS treatment.

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