Physician’s Weekly recently had a discussion with Dr. Satish SC Rao, an esteemed clinician from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). The conversation revolved around the role of NHE3 inhibitors in the treatment of IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation). Dr. Rao provided his expert perspective on the topic.
How do NHE3 inhibitors work?
The goal of sodium hydrogen exchange 3 (NHE3) inhibition is to block sodium absorption in the intestinal lumen. Whenever sodium is retained inside the gut lumen, it draws water into the lumen, leading to fluid accumulation inside the gut. This fluid accumulation distends the gut, induces peristalsis, and consequently, contraction and movement of gut contents, such as stool, leading to laxation.