Irritable Bowel Syndrome and cilansetron

Solvay Pharmaceuticals is world leader in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is also one of Solvay Pharmaceuticals’ main gastrointestinal research areas. Cilansetron is a 5HT3 antagonist, and a new approach to IBS treatment for the future. Cilansetron is intended for diarrhea predominant IBS (IBS-D) in both men and women.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Statistically one out of 10 people suffers from IBS. It is one of the most common conditions seen by gastroenterologists. Almost any person of any age may be vulnerable to IBS, including children who often have some other symptoms. IBS is seen twice as often in women, than it is in men. Only a small group of sufferers consults a physician.

Symptoms that may be present in patients with IBS are abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension or flatulence, rectal mucus, sensation of incomplete evacuation. Other symptoms are heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea, early satiety and excessive belching.

Abdominal pain: the pain can fluctuate considerably in intensity and frequency. It can be chronic or frequently recurring or there can be pain-free periods or only mild discomfort. It can take many forms: it can be nagging, colicky, sharp or dull.
Abdominal pain after a meal is a frequent complaint, together with bloating, excessive flatulence and exacerbation of diarrhea. Pain is often relieved after defecation.

Defecatory symptoms: The types of disturbed bowel habit associated with IBS include diarrhea, constipation or an alternation of the two.
Patients also often suffer from a feeling of incomplete evacuation (emptying).

Abdominal distension: The abdominal distension can occur from a mild swelling of the belly to a very large one. It is often accompanied by audible bowel sounds or excessive flatulence.

The cause of IBS is unknown. However, it is generally believed to involve an underlying disturbance of colonic motility (smooth muscle spasm).

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