From the Guidelines
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is recommended for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women aged 18 and older, as well as for chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, due to its efficacy in increasing fluid secretion in the small intestine and improving bowel movements, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points
- The typical dosage for chronic constipation is 24 mcg taken twice daily with food and water, while for IBS-C, the recommended dose is 8 mcg twice daily with food.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, and bloating.
- The medication works by activating chloride channels in the intestine, increasing intestinal fluid secretion without affecting electrolyte balance.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they're taking, as certain drugs may interact with Amitiza.
- Those with severe diarrhea, bowel obstruction, or known hypersensitivity to the drug should avoid using it.
Efficacy and Safety
The AGA suggests using lubiprostone in patients with IBS-C, with a conditional recommendation and moderate certainty 1. Additionally, the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend lubiprostone as a second-line drug for IBS-C, with a strong recommendation and moderate quality of evidence 1.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of Amitiza for IBS-C is 8 mcg twice daily with food, while for chronic constipation, it is 24 mcg twice daily with food and water.
Important Considerations
Patients should take Amitiza as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage. Improvement in symptoms typically begins within the first week of treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator indicated for the treatment of: • chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. ( 1.1) • opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic, non-cancer pain, including patients with chronic pain related to prior cancer or its treatment who do not require frequent (e.g., weekly) opioid dosage escalation. ( 1.2) • irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women ≥ 18 years old. ( 1.3)
The main indications for Amitiza (lubiprostone) are:
- Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in adults
- Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women ≥ 18 years old 2
From the Research
Amitiza (Lubiprostone) Overview
- Amitiza, also known as lubiprostone, is a medication used to treat chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It works by activating type 2 chloride channels in the intestinal epithelial cells, increasing chloride secretion, and inducing peristalsis and laxation 3, 4, 5, 7.
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials have shown that lubiprostone is effective in treating chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS-C 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The most common side effects associated with lubiprostone are nausea, diarrhea, and headaches 3, 4, 5, 7.
- Lubiprostone has little systemic absorption and is generally well-tolerated, with serious adverse events being rare 3, 5, 7.
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dose of lubiprostone for chronic constipation is 24 μg twice daily 3, 4, 5, 7.
- For IBS-C, the recommended dose is 8 μg twice daily, although this is only approved for use in adult women 3, 4, 6, 7.
Place in Therapy
- Lubiprostone offers a novel approach to treating constipation and IBS-C, and is considered a valuable addition to the available treatment options 3, 7.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of lubiprostone and to explore its potential use in other clinical applications 7.