Lubiprostone
Indications
Lubiprostone is used to treat long-term (chronic) constipation that has no known cause in adults, constipation caused by opioid pain medicines in adults with long-lasting non-cancer pain, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women.
How It Works
Lubiprostone opens chloride channels in the lining of the bowel. This draws more fluid into the gut, which softens the stool, helps it move along and makes bowel movements easier and more regular.
Dosage and Administration
- Chronic constipation and opioid-induced constipation: usually 24 micrograms twice daily.
- IBS with constipation in women: usually 8 micrograms twice daily.
Take the capsule with food and water, swallowed whole. Do not break or chew it. Your doctor may lower the dose if you have liver problems or if side effects are troublesome. Your doctor will review whether you still need it from time to time.
Interactions
Methadone and some other opioids of the same type may reduce how well Lubiprostone works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including other laxatives and diarrhoea medicines.
Contraindications
Do not use Lubiprostone if you are allergic to it, or if you have a known or suspected blockage of the bowel. It should not be used in people with severe diarrhoea.
Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, stomach pain, bloating and wind. Some people feel short of breath or have chest tightness within an hour of a dose; this usually settles within a few hours but can come back with later doses.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe or continuing diarrhoea, severe stomach pain, fainting, or breathing difficulty that does not settle.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Lubiprostone may harm an unborn baby based on animal studies. Women who could become pregnant should use it only after a negative pregnancy test and with reliable contraception, and should tell their doctor at once if they become pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, watch the baby for diarrhoea and ask your doctor before use.
Precautions and Warnings
Take it with food to reduce nausea. Stop and contact your doctor if severe diarrhoea develops, as it can cause dehydration. Use with care if you have liver disease. It is not for constipation caused by a blockage or another physical problem in the bowel, so tell your doctor about any new or severe symptoms such as blood in the stool or weight loss.
Overdose
Too much may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache and shortness of breath. Seek medical advice; treatment is supportive, including fluids if needed.
Therapeutic Class
Chloride channel activator (laxative for chronic constipation).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Lubiprostone