Medications
Some doctors have used medications to help teen patients manage their functional abdominal pain. Yet, other researchers note there is “little scientific data to support the routine use of pharmacotherapy.” (Chiou & Nurko, 2011). In the past 50 years, only eight randomized clinical trials of drug therapy have been carried out in children or adolescents with functional abdominal pain. Currently, no medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any functional abdominal pain in children or adolescents.
MEDICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN USED FOR FUNCTIONAL ABDOMINAL PAIN
| TYPES OF MEDICINE | NAMES/OTC OR PRESCRIPTION | PUBLISHED STUDIES IN CHILDREN? |
| Herbal supplements | Iberogast, (over the counter medicine in Europe) | Moderate evidence of efficacy in teens. Overall, appears to be safe |
| Acid reflux medications | Proton pump inhibitors | Poor evidence of efficacy and safety in teens |
| Antibiotics | Rifaxamin (prescription) | Limited evidence of efficacy and safety in teens |
| Antihistamines | Cyproheptadine (prescription) | Moderate evidence of efficacy in teens. Overall, appears to be safe |
| Anti-spasmodics | Peppermint Oil | Moderate evidence of efficacy in teens. Overall, appears to be safe |
| Probiotics | Over the counter or prescription | Limited evidence of efficacy in teens. Overall, appears to be safe |
| Antidepressants* | Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants (prescription) | Poor evidence of efficacy and safety in teens |
*Gut has same neurotransmitters as the brain so antidepressants can work on gut brain and head brain.