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Lubiprostone

Generic name: lubiprostone [ loo-bee-PROS-tone ]
Brand name: Amitiza
Dosage form: oral capsule (24 mcg; 8 mcg)
Drug class: Chloride channel activators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 9, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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:

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:

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.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

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.

How should I take lubiprostone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take with food and water.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath within 1 hour after taking lubiprostone. This side effect should go away within 3 hours, but it may occur again when you take your next dose. Talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome.

Do not take lubiprostone if you have severe diarrhea. Call your doctor for instructions.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.

Store at room temperature away from heat and light.

Lubiprostone dosing information

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking lubiprostone?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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.

Popular FAQ

Any drug that is classified as an "opioid" can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.