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What is lubiprostone? What is lubiprostone?
Lubiprostone is an oral medication used for
the treatment of idiopathic (due to an unknown cause)
chronic constipation.
Chronic constipation most commonly occurs because of slow transit of stool
through the colon that allows too much fluid to be removed from the stool,
leading to hard or lumpy stools, abdominal pain or discomfort, and straining
during bowel movements, as well as difficulty passing stools. Signs and symptoms
of chronic constipation can be reduced by increasing fluid in the stool. Lubiprostone causes an increase in the secretion of fluid into the intestines.
The added fluid softens the stool and also may speed up transit of stool in the
colon. Lubiprostone was approved by the FDA in January 2006.
What brand names are available for lubiprostone?
Amitiza
Is lubiprostone available as a generic drug?
No.
Do I need a prescription for lubiprostone?
Yes.
What are the side effects of lubiprostone?
The most common side effects of lubiprostone are:
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- headache,
- frequent bowel movements,
- fecal incontinence,
- flatulence,
- decreased appetite, and
- rash.
Nausea was reduced when lubiprostone was administered with food. Some patients may experience shortness of breath.
What is the dosage for lubiprostone?
The recommended dose of lubiprostone is 24 mcg taken orally
twice daily with food and water
Which drugs or supplements interact with lubiprostone?
Lubiprostone has no known
drug interactions.
Is lubiprostone safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Use of lubiprostone in pregnant women has not been
adequately evaluated during pregnancy.
It is not known whether lubiprostone is excreted in
human milk.
What else should I know about lubiprostone?
What preparations of lubiprostone are available?
Capsules: 8 and 24 mcg
How should I keep lubiprostone stored?
Lubiprostone should be stored at room temperature, 15 C – 30 C (59 F – 86 F).