Role of Antispasmodics in the Self-Treatment of Abdominal Cramping and Pain – Mainpro+

Upon successful completion of this continuing education program, the physician will be able to:

1. Explain the pathophysiology of a functional gastrointestinal disorder to a patient;
2. Discuss the epidemiology of abdominal pain and cramping, and know that this symptom complex is highly prevalent in Canada;
3. Recognize when a patient has any “red-flag” symptoms, which may indicate the presence of an underlying organic or structural disorder that requires a workup that is more extensive than one required for a purely functional disorder;
4. Administer and/or recommend non-pharmacological interventions which may in themselves be adequate for reducing the symptoms of a functional GI disorder;
5. Determine appropriate pharmacological approaches to the treatment of functional GI disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).