Lubiprostone

Generic name: Lubiprostone
Brand names: Amitiza
Dosage form: oral capsule (24 mcg; 8 mcg)
Drug class: Chloride channel activators

Usage of Lubiprostone

Lubiprostone is used to treat chronic constipation, or constipation caused by opioid pain medicine.

Lubiprostone may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as the main symptom.

Lubiprostone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lubiprostone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lubiprostone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe or ongoing nausea or diarrhea;

trouble breathing; or

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

You may have low blood pressure and feel faint shortly after taking lubiprostone, especially if you've been sick with vomiting or diarrhea. Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel light-headed after every dose or if you have severe diarrhea.

Common side effects of lubiprostone may include:

nausea, stomach pain;

diarrhea, gas, bloating; or

headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Lubiprostone

You should not use lubiprostone if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice diarrhea in the nursing baby.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Lubiprostone

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Chronic:

24 mcg orally 2 times a day Comments: The effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in patients taking diphenylheptane opioids (e.g., methadone) has not been established.Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and of opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

8 mcg orally 2 times a day Use: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women age 18 years and older.

Warnings

Stop taking lubiprostone and call your doctor if you feel light-headed every time you take lubiprostone or if you have severe diarrhea.

What other drugs will affect Lubiprostone

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an opioid pain medicine.

Other drugs may affect lubiprostone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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