Review article: current and future treatment approaches for IBS with constipation

Background Multiple efficacious therapies are currently available for treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). IBS-C specific survey tools that assess symptom relief, treatment satisfaction, and quality of life are important for gauging real-world effectiveness. Aims/Methods This article reviews clinical trial efficacy data as well as survey data on adequate relief and quality of life from pivotal trials for lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, tenapanor, and tegaserod. A brief discussion of agents in development with novel mechanisms of action is also provided. Results/Conclusions Quality of life and symptom metrics should be standardized and continue to be represented in future IBS-C trials. The choice of agent should be tailored to probability of improving symptoms, safety, tolerability, and cost.