Combination of a Probiotic and an Antispasmodic Increases Quality of Life and Reduces Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Background: Probiotics and antispasmodics have been tested extensively in the management of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they have rarely been evaluated in combination. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of treatment with the probiotic formulation i3.1 (Lactobacillus plantarum CECT7484 and CECT7485 and Pediococcus acidilactici CECT7483), with or without the addition of the antispasmodic alverine/simethicone, in improving IBS-related quality of life (QoL) and reducing abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with IBS.