An open clinical trial with
prifinium bromide, an
anticholinergic agent, was carried out in 21 patients with
irritable bowel syndrome showing clear psychosomatic characteristics. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing the symptomatic severity before, during, and
after treatment with
prifinium bromide, 90 mg/day for four weeks. Of these 21 patients, 18 patients were allowed to take
antacids or lactobacillus preparations concomitantly only when necessary. As a result, marked or moderate improvement in symptoms such as
diarrhea and
constipation was seen in 43% after two weeks and 86% after four weeks.
Prifinium bromide's efficacy in the treatment of abnormal bowel movements was most evident in patients with
diarrhea and slightly less evident in patients with alternation of
diarrhea and
constipation, and in constipated patients. Side effects attributable to the
drug were encountered in four (19%) of the patients. None were serious enough to require that use of the
drug be discontinued. All laboratory test values were within normal ranges before and after
therapy. Overall,
prifinium bromide was judged to be useful in 14 (67%) of the 21 patients studied.