A three-part controlled study of trimebutine in the treatment of irritable colon syndrome

Three controlled trials were carried out in patients with irritable bowel syndrome to assess the effectiveness of trimebutine in controlling the symptoms of abdominal distension, pain, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea and dyspepsia. In the first two trials, it was shown that 200 mg trimebutine 3-times daily for 3 days produced rapid relief of symptoms and was significantly (p less than 0.001) more effective than placebo, but not significantly so when the dosage level was halved. In the third trial, the results showed that 200 mg trimebutine 3-times daily for 2 weeks was as effective as 100 mg mebeverine 4-times daily in relieving the major symptoms and in improving motility. No serious side-effects were reported with trimebutine at the dosage used.