Update in the pharmaceutical therapy of the irritable bowel syndrome.
The therapeutic management of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is ineffective and not satisfying either patients or practitioners. Research in functions of the enteric nervous system and its interaction with the central nervous system is the basis for the development of emerging pharmaceuticals in therapy of the IBS. These pharmaceuticals include agents such as opioid agonists, psychotropic agents and particularly serotonin receptor modulators. These novel pharmaceuticals aim to provide a more comprehensive approach in the therapy of the IBS and will serve both patients and practitioners. So far, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved two agents specifically for the treatment of the IBS, both belonging to the group of serotonin receptor modulators. However, questions remain whether a single therapy is sufficient in the management of IBS because this disease is influenced by biological and psychological as well as cultural and social factors.
Thielecke
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Institute of Medical Outcome Research GmbH, Lörrach, Germany. frank.thielecke@imor.com
Maxion-Bergemann
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Abel
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Gonschior
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AK
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012677:Sensation; D014781:Viscera / Q000502:physiology
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs