16.03 Agents Used for Diarrhea, Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diarrhoea usually results from enteric infection and is short-lived and self-limiting, and does not usually require drug treatment. Other conditions that cause diarrhoea include malabsorption, which is associated with lactose intolerance and gluten malabsorption. Inflammatory bowel disease and immune disease are also causes of diarrhea, and these conditions require treatment.

Constipation is defined as having less than 3 stools per week. In constipation, the colon is absorbing too much water due to slow movement through colon.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is intermittent cramps and constipation, with alternating periods of diarrhoea. Thus, the drugs to treat diarrhoea and constipation are used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.