Generic
Lubiprostone
12 brands available in the market
At a glance
Lubiprostone is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. It works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestine, making stool soft and easier to pass.
Description
Lubiprostone is a locally acting chloride channel activator that enhances a chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion without altering sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum. It acts by specifically activating ClC-2, a normal constituent of the apical membrane of the human intestine. By increasing intestinal fluid secretion, lubiprostone increases intestinal motility, facilitating stool passage and alleviating symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic constipation.
Indications
- Chronic idiopathic constipation in adults
- Opioid-induced constipation in adults
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women >18 years
Therapeutic class
Other Laxative Preparations
Pharmacological class
Chloride Channel Activator
Pharmacology
Lubiprostone specifically activates ClC-2 chloride channels to increase chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion, enhancing intestinal motility and relieving constipation.
Mechanism of action
Increases intestinal fluid secretion to soften stool and ease passage.
Dosage
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: 24 mcg twice daily with food
Opioid-Induced Constipation: 24 mcg twice daily with food
IBS-C: 8 mcg twice daily with food
Hepatic Impairment: Moderate (Child-Pugh B): Constipation 16 mcg twice daily; IBS-C: no dose adjustment; Severe (Child-Pugh C): Constipation 8 mcg twice daily; IBS-C: 8 mcg once daily
Administration
- Swallow capsules whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take with food (to reduce nausea)
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distension
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Precautions & warnings
- Taking with food may reduce nausea
- Seek medical attention if severe diarrhea, breathlessness, chest pain, or chest tightness occurs
- Confirm absence of mechanical GI obstruction before starting treatment
- Not recommended in children under 18 years
- Consult doctor during pregnancy and lactation
Contraindications
- History of mechanical GI obstruction
Drug interactions
Low likelihood of drug interactions (cytochrome P450 isoenzymes not involved; no protein binding-mediated interactions anticipated).
Food interactions
Safety with alcohol is not known; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Lubiprostone may be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C); animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Lubiprostone is probably safe during breastfeeding; limited human data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety and effectiveness not established in children and adolescents (under 18 years).
Geriatric use
Safety and efficacy in elderly (>65 years) remains constant in both young and older patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed (not studied).
Hepatic Impairment: Reduce dosage in moderate and severe hepatic impairment.
Overdose effects
Overdose adverse reactions: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and abdominal pain.
Storage conditions
Keep out of reach of children; store below 25°C in a cool and dry place, protected from light.
Chemical structure
Lubiprostone