Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 5–10% of adults, characterised by abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habit. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD — ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) is a distinct group of immune-mediated chronic inflammatory conditions affecting younger adults disproportionately. The MedsBase IBS Treatment catalogue groups medications for both. Note: the category name historically said “IBS” but most products are IBD-specific (mesalamine, sulfasalazine) — we are reorganising. All products are supplied by WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten.
5-ASA / mesalamine — for ulcerative colitis maintenance and mild-moderate flare. Oral mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) is first-line maintenance for ulcerative colitis and effective for mild-moderate flares. The various brands differ in release pattern (controlled-release pH-dependent, time-dependent, multi-matrix) which determines where in the bowel the active drug is liberated — tailor brand choice to disease distribution. Stocked as Mesacol, Mesacol OD (once-daily controlled release for distal disease), and Asacol (when in stock). Topical mesalamine (suppositories, foam) for distal proctitis are listed in our Gastro Health category as Pentasa Suppositories.
Sulfasalazine — for IBD and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine combines 5-ASA with sulfapyridine (an azo-bond carrier that releases 5-ASA in the colon). Standard dose for ulcerative colitis is 2–4 g daily in divided doses. Stocked as Sazo en Salazar. Cleaner-side-effect-profile mesalamine usually preferred for IBD; sulfasalazine still useful where IBD-associated arthropathy or rheumatoid arthritis coexists (the sulfapyridine moiety has DMARD activity).
Mebeverine — antispasmodic for IBS. Mebeverine (a smooth-muscle antispasmodic) is first-line for cramping and spasm-predominant IBS — taken 20 minutes before meals. Stocked as Colospa. Side-effect profile is favourable; modest evidence base from older trials.
Rifaximin — for IBS-D and SIBO. Rifaximin is a non-absorbed luminal antibiotic with FDA approval for IBS-D and broader use in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and hepatic encephalopathy. Course is 550 mg three times daily for 2 weeks; symptom improvement persists for months in many responders. Stocked as Rifagut.
What’s NOT here. Biologic therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, tofacitinib) for moderate-severe IBD requires specialist initiation and monitoring — not stocked. Corticosteroids for IBD flares: oral budesonide for ileal Crohn’s and right-sided UC is in our Gastro Health category as Budez CR; systemic prednisolone is in Pain Relief Medication.
Hoe te kiezen. Mild-moderate ulcerative colitis → oral mesalamine first-line + topical 5-ASA for distal disease + check adherence. Mild-moderate Crohn’s → mesalamine has limited evidence (works in colonic disease only); budesonide for ileal disease. IBS-C (constipation-predominant) → osmotic / stimulant laxatives (see Constipation Medicine category) ± linaclotide / lubiprostone where available. IBS-D (diarrhoea-predominant) → rifaximin 2-week course; consider eluxadoline. IBS-M (mixed) → antispasmodic (mebeverine) + lifestyle / FODMAP diet trial. Refractory or alarm features (weight loss, blood, anaemia, age > 50, family history of IBD or CRC) → urgent gastroenterology referral.
Belangrijk. IBD flares require tighter management than IBS (significant disease can be silent on standard therapy, and untreated flares progress to complications including stricture, fistula, dysplasia, and need for colectomy). Annual review with calprotectin / endoscopy as appropriate. Pregnancy: most 5-ASAs and sulfasalazine are continued through pregnancy; folic acid supplementation needed for sulfasalazine. Methotrexate and many biologics carry pregnancy restrictions. New diarrhoea in IBD or worsening symptoms can be C. difficile — test before assuming flare.
All MedsBase IBS Treatment products ship from WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten met discrete verpakking en vallen onder onze Reshipment Assurance Policy.
Koopgids 2026: Bekijk onze selectie Best IBS & IBD Treatments 2026 voor gerangschikte keuzes, vergelijkingstabel, doseringsadviezen en beslissingshulp.