Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses seen by primary care providers and gastroenterologists. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 have been found increased in IBS patients. Cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-8 and IL-10 have not been assessed in Mexican IBS patients. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes of 45 IBS unrelated patients and 137 controls. Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were determined by analyzing SNPs of IL-8 and IL-10 genes. IL-8 + 396 G allele (P = 0.02), IL-8 + 396(G/G) and IL-8 + 781(C/T) genotypes (P < 0.001), IL-10 - 1082A allele and IL-10 - 1082(A/A) genotype (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the IBS group. Haplotypes IL-8 ATCC (P = 0.03) and IL-10 ACC (P < 0.001) were associated with susceptibility to develop IBS. An association of certain polymorphisms of IL-8 and IL-10 in IBS patients compared to controls was demonstrated, suggesting a role of these cytokine SNPs in the pathophysiology of IBS.