Improvement in pain and bowel function in female irritable bowel patients with alosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist

M. Camilleri, E. A. Mayer, D. A. Drossman, A. Heath, G. E. Dukes, D. McSorley, S. Kong, A. W. Mangel, A. R. Northcutt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

342 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: No currently available treatment provides consistent relief of irritable bowel syndrome. Colonic sensory and motor function are modulated partly through 5HT3-receptors. Aim: To evaluate effects of the 5HT3-receptor antagonist, alosetron, in irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging (1, 2, 4, 8 mg b.d. alosetron), 12-week trial in 370 patients with diarrhoea-predominant or alternating constipation and diarrhoea irritable bowel syndrome. Weekly measurement of adequate relief was the key endpoint: other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms were collected daily using an electronic phone system. Results: Alosetron (1 mg or 2 mg b.d.) significantly (P < 0.05 vs. placebo) increased the proportion of females, but not males, reporting adequate relief. Stool consistency, frequency and percentage days with urgency improved over placebo (P < 0.05) within the first month with all doses of alosetron, and persisted throughout the trial with all doses in female patients. With 1 mg b.d. alosetron, females had improved stool consistency and urgency within the first week, and adequate relief and improved stool frequency within the first 2 weeks. There was no consistent improvement in bowel function among male patients. Conclusion: In female irritable bower syndrome patients with predominant diarrhoea or alternating constipation and diarrhoea, alosetron is effective in treatment of abdominal pain and discomfort and bowel-related symptoms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1149-1159
Number of pages11
JournalAlimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume13
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Improvement in pain and bowel function in female irritable bowel patients with alosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this