Do you have IBS? Symptoms, Treatment and Medication for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic medical condition that affects the large intestine, leading to uncomfortable abdominal pain and bloating, among other symptoms. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) states that between 25 and 45 million people in the United States are affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Often treated with prescription Zaxine, IBS can often be well managed.

What are the Symptoms of IBS?

Abdominal pain or cramping that is usually relieved or partially relieved following a bowel movement Diarrhea or constipation – sometimes alternating bouts of each Mucus in the stool

Excess gas and bloating

Weight loss

Nausea and/or recurrent vomiting

Fatigue and difficulty sleeping

How is IBS diagnosed?

Anyone suffering from bowel discomfort should seek medical attention. In order to make a clear diagnosis of IBS your doctor will first run tests to rule out any other possible medical conditions. After other medical conditions have been ruled out, your doctor will use one of three diagnostic criteria to further diagnose IBS:

Manning Criteria: This criteria focuses on the changes in stool consistency, mucus in the stool, pain relief experienced by passing stools and having incomplete bowel movements.

Rome Criteria: This criteria focuses on the pain a patient experiences, including pain and discomfort related to defecation, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort which may have been ongoing for at least one day per week in the last 3 months. It also looks at how regular defecation frequency and stool consistency have changed.

The Type of IBS: There are three types of IBS – constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant and mixed.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and/or a colonoscopy to rule out other causes of your abdominal pain.

How does prescription Zaxine treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Zaxine is the Canadian equivalent of Xifaxan. Both contain the active ingredient rifaximin.

One of the most popular prescription medications for IBS is Xifaxan®. Manufactured by Salix, this strong antibiotic is used to fight intestinal bacterial infections. Unlike other antibiotics, it is not absorbed into the blood stream, so the active ingredient, rifaximin, only treats the infection in the intestinal tract, not other parts of the body.

Zaxine is available in 550 mg tablets.

Zaxine is also a known treatment for travelers who have eaten food contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Known as “travelers’ diarrhea”, this condition presents symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, bowel pain, and fever.

Zaxine is a prescription medication for irritable bowel syndrome.

Zaxine can be taken with or without food, and must be taken as prescribed by your doctor.

It is important not to take Zaxine in smaller or larger amounts than prescribed or to stop taking it without speaking to your doctor.

Do not skip doses.

If your symptoms do not improve within 24-48 hours, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Zaxine at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.Do not share this medication with anyone, regardless of his or her symptoms. Tell your doctor about other prescription medications you are taking to ensure Zaxine is safe to take, including heart or blood pressure medications, antifungal medications and other antibiotics, as well as any non-prescription medications, or supplements.

Managing IBS with lifestyle changes

While prescription Zaxine for irritable bowel syndrome offers relief, there may be some changes that can be made in day to day living to help ease symptoms for some patients:

Eat smaller meals

Avoid stress

Avoid caffeine

Add more fiber to your daily diet

Drink more water

Reduce or limit dairy intake

With the help of prescription Zaxine and a few lifestyle changes, there is always hope for better management and comfort.