 A study looked at the effects of calcium polycarbophil on general irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.Fourteen patients with IBS-diarrhea and twelve with IBS-constipation were given calcium polycarbophil for eight weeks and their colon transit times were measured with radiopaque markers in the colon.The patients with diarrhea reported fewer bowel movements, more solid stools and reduced abdominal pain.