Physicians' perspectives on irritable bowel syndrome, diagnosis and management in India: insights from in-clinic questionnaire-based survey study with a focus on Rifaximin

Nilesh Borkar; Sonali Gote; Pradnya Salvi; Kunal Khobragade

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20253696

Authors

Nilesh Borkar Medical Affairs, Mankind Pharma Ltd, Seawoods, Nerul Node, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Sonali Gote Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Pharmacy, Mahagoan, Gadhinglaj Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Pradnya Salvi Medical Affairs, Mankind Pharma Ltd, Seawoods, Nerul Node, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Kunal Khobragade Medical Affairs, Mankind Pharma Ltd, Seawoods, Nerul Node, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20253696

Keywords:

Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS-D, Rifaximin, Survey study

Abstract

Background: In India, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) contributes notably to patients’ discomfort and places a considerable strain on healthcare resources. With Physicians as a primary care provider for IBS patients, this survey objective was to explore their practices, perspectives and experience with Rifaximin in management of IBS with Rifaximin in the management of IBS-D.

Methods: A cross-sectional structured electronic survey consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions was administered to 302 physicians across India.

Results: A total of 302 physicians participated in the survey, reporting diverse monthly caseloads of patients diagnosed with IBS. Among them, 32.81% managed between 10–20 patients per month. IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) emerged as the most commonly encountered sub-type. Rifaximin was identified as a frequently prescribed therapy for IBS-D, with physicians’ observance in reduction of 40-80% pain (47.07% patients), bloating (50.20%), diarrhea (47.83%) and symptom urgency (47.08%), with preferred dose of 400 mg twice daily (44.66%).

Conclusions: IBS remains one of the most frequently encountered functional gastrointestinal disorders among Physicians, with clinical judgment as primary diagnosis. Rifaximin was commonly preferred for managing IBS-D due to its proven efficacy, minimal systemic absorption, and strong safety profile.

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