Pharmacotherapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders in children

Abstract

Therapy of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is best done within the context of a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach. Pharmacotherapy is often sought by patients and families who hope to find a "pill" that will lead to rapid symptom relief. Yet, there is only scant published evidence for the efficacy of a variety of medical interventions in childhood functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. This article reviews the pediatric studies that have addressed pharmacotherapy in children with pain predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders.