Irritable bowel syndrome treatment using pinaverium bromide as a calcium channel blocker. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the principal causes of days lost from work. As there has been no effective treatment up to now, sufferers turn to various doctors and try all sorts of medicines over extended periods that last for years. Thus irritable bowel syndrome has become a serious socio-economic problem that affects the family and the workplace.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among 40 consecutive irritable bowel syndrome patients (mean age: 31.4 +/- 1.8, range 17-52 year; females). Pinaverium bromide (50 mg) or placebo was taken orally t.i.d with food.

RESULTS

Pinaverium bromide diminished pain duration from several hours to a few minutes (P Text:nav2]Conclusions. Pinaverium bromide is safe, and produce a significant benefit in the quality of the patients life, hence may be a valuable drug for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome patients.