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World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2014; 20(20): 6031-6043
Published online May 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i20.6031
Role of antispasmodics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Anita Annaházi, Richárd Róka, András Rosztóczy, Tibor Wittmann
Anita Annaházi, Richárd Róka, András Rosztóczy, Tibor Wittmann, First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
Author contributions: All of the authors drafted and revised the article and revised and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Tibor Wittmann, MD, PhD, Professor, First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 8-10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary. wittmann.tibor@med.u-szeged.hu
Telephone: +36-62-545189 Fax: +36-62-545185
Received: September 28, 2013
Revised: January 8, 2014
Accepted: April 1, 2014
Published online: May 28, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) must target intestinal motility alterations and visceral hypersensitivity. Antispasmodics have been used in the treatment of IBS for decades, and large placebo-controlled trials have recently been conducted on their efficacy. Alverine citrate, in combination with simethicone, effectively reduced abdominal pain and discomfort; while otilonium bromide also improved defecation problems. Pinaverium bromide regulated impaired motility and reduced stool complaints. Phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol reduced pain in IBS patients. Mebeverine was recently found to be effective only in non-placebo-controlled trials. Antispasmodics are considered safe. T-type calcium channel blockers could represent a future therapeutic option in IBS treatment.