Q I'm currently taking bowel medication for IBS from an internal medicine clinic. Is it okay to take herbal medicine together?
A Yes, you can take them together if you space them out. We generally advise spacing herbal medicine and conventional medication about 1–2 hours apart, and as symptoms improve the conventional medication is gradually tapered.
Detailed Answer
There is no need to abruptly stop the bowel motility regulators or antispasmodics you are currently taking. Spacing herbal medicine and conventional medication about 1–2 hours apart minimizes interference with absorption. As treatment progresses and the gut stabilizes, the conventional medication is adjusted to taper down gradually without difficulty.
Korean Medicine Perspective
Please let us know what medications you are taking at your appointment so we can adjust the herbal composition and dosing schedule accordingly. We manage safe co-administration and gradual tapering together.
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