A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial with Loperamide in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

This trial lends support to a multifactorial aetiology in IBS. Treatment must be individualized with regard to both the effect and the risk of constipation and abdominal pain. The trial shows a benefit of loperamide in an unselected cohort of IBS patients with regard to stool frequency, stool consistency, and the overall pain intensity, but with increased abdominal pain during the night. It should be recommended that the patients take the medication in divided daily doses.