Drug Usage in the Irritable Colon Syndrome

The irritable colon syndrome is a symptom-complex of abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits, in the absence of evidence of organic disease (Goulston, 1972). Because there are no objective signs, evaluation of treatment in this condition has to be based solely on subjective response of the patient. The irritable colon syndrome is the commonest diagnosis in patients referred to a consultant physician because of colonic symptoms (Goulston, 1971). This paper details some aspects of current drug treatment of the irritable colon syndrome. A survey of general practitioners and gastro-enterologists was carried out, in order to examine their prescribing preferences. The relevant literature was reviewed with particular respect to proof of clinical efficacy of available drugs. Some estimation of the cost of these drugs is attempted.