Bixi 5

Indications

Elobixibat is used to treat chronic constipation in adults, meaning long-lasting difficulty passing stools, hard stools or infrequent bowel movements that are not caused by a blockage or another disease needing different treatment.

How It Works

Bile acids are made by the liver to help digest fat and are normally taken back into the body at the end of the small intestine. Elobixibat blocks the transporter that reabsorbs them (the ileal bile acid transporter). More bile acids then reach the large bowel, where they draw water into the bowel and stimulate its movement. This softens the stool and makes bowel movements easier and more frequent.

Dosage and Administration

Take as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dose is 10 mg once a day, taken before breakfast. The doctor may adjust the dose, up to a maximum of 15 mg a day, depending on the response and side effects. Swallow the tablets with water. Taking it before a meal is important, because the meal releases bile that the medicine acts on.

Interactions

• Bile acid binding medicines such as Cholestyramine or Colestimide can reduce its effect; take them at different times as advised.
• Ursodeoxycholic acid or Chenodeoxycholic acid may change its effect.
• Elobixibat may raise blood levels of some medicines, such as Digoxin, Dabigatran or Midazolam; your doctor may need to monitor you.
• Other laxatives taken at the same time can increase the risk of diarrhoea.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Elobixibat or any ingredient.
• Known or suspected bowel blockage (obstruction) or tumour of the bowel.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are tummy pain, cramping and diarrhoea, especially in the first days. Others include nausea, bloating, abdominal discomfort and changes in liver blood tests.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe or constant stomach pain, a swollen hard stomach with vomiting and no passing of stools or wind, bloody or black stools, or severe diarrhoea with dizziness or signs of dehydration (very little urine, extreme thirst).

Pregnancy and Lactation

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It should be used only if the doctor decides the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk. Dietary changes are usually tried first in pregnancy.

Precautions and Warnings

• See a doctor before using it if you have new constipation with weight loss, blood in the stool or anaemia, as these need investigation.
• Use with care in people with severe liver disease or gallbladder problems.
• If diarrhoea occurs, the doctor may lower the dose or stop it.
• Drink enough fluids and eat a fibre-rich diet.
• Not for use in children.

Overdose

Too much may cause severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain, leading to dehydration. Drink fluids and contact a doctor or hospital straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Laxative, ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.