A disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (not to be confused with inflammatory bowel disease) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloat, all of which are relieved somewhat or completely by completing a bowel movement. The etiology of the disorder is poorly understood.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) has issued a frightening report that some 60 million Americans exhibit one or more of the symptoms of IBS. However, they caution that because the symptoms are occasionally quite vague, the real number carries some uncertainty.
For most patients, relief is possible with a bowel movement, but for a subclass known as IBS-C, constipation is also one of the symptoms. This makes it hard for them to relieve their pain. The etiology of constipation is not known, as it may be a separate condition or correlated with IBS also.
To some extend, laxative drugs help by reducing the constipation but this does not eliminate the pain. Similarly, opiate and other pain medication help with pain but exert little efficacy on constipation. In some cases, opiates are known as causes of constipation themselves. IBS-C patients have difficult choices.
An encouraging new pharmaceutical has come out in recent years, known as linaclotide. This is the scientific name, and when marketed, will likely have another name. The drug has passed several small clinical trials and is in the midst of a large Phase 3 that will prepare it for approval by the FDA. It addresses both pain and constipation at the same time.
In early September of 2010, linaclotide has yet to pass the final barrier to FDA approval. Positive results from a more preliminary trial has excited both patients and investors of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, who holds the wrights to the drug. In the near time, many are waiting and watching for the results of the final Phase 3 results.
There exists number of laxatives prescribed to patients with constipation. Amongst the most popular are the well known osmotic laxatives and the stimulant laxatives. These medications derive their names from what may be the chemical basis of action. Osmotic agents draw liquid from the interior tissue into the intestinal lumen which helps acceleration of movement of food matter. Stimulant laxatives increase the activity of the intestines.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) has issued a frightening report that some 60 million Americans exhibit one or more of the symptoms of IBS. However, they caution that because the symptoms are occasionally quite vague, the real number carries some uncertainty.
For most patients, relief is possible with a bowel movement, but for a subclass known as IBS-C, constipation is also one of the symptoms. This makes it hard for them to relieve their pain. The etiology of constipation is not known, as it may be a separate condition or correlated with IBS also.
To some extend, laxative drugs help by reducing the constipation but this does not eliminate the pain. Similarly, opiate and other pain medication help with pain but exert little efficacy on constipation. In some cases, opiates are known as causes of constipation themselves. IBS-C patients have difficult choices.
An encouraging new pharmaceutical has come out in recent years, known as linaclotide. This is the scientific name, and when marketed, will likely have another name. The drug has passed several small clinical trials and is in the midst of a large Phase 3 that will prepare it for approval by the FDA. It addresses both pain and constipation at the same time.
In early September of 2010, linaclotide has yet to pass the final barrier to FDA approval. Positive results from a more preliminary trial has excited both patients and investors of Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, who holds the wrights to the drug. In the near time, many are waiting and watching for the results of the final Phase 3 results.
There exists number of laxatives prescribed to patients with constipation. Amongst the most popular are the well known osmotic laxatives and the stimulant laxatives. These medications derive their names from what may be the chemical basis of action. Osmotic agents draw liquid from the interior tissue into the intestinal lumen which helps acceleration of movement of food matter. Stimulant laxatives increase the activity of the intestines.
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