Lubiprostone

Lubiprostone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Lubiprostone is a brand name. Its generic name is Lubiprostone.

What is Lubiprostone?

Lubiprostone is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines to help maintain normal bowel movements.

Uses For Lubiprostone

Lubiprostone is used to treat adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Mechanism of Action

Lubiprostone works by increasing the secretion of fluid and electrolytes in the intestines. This helps to increase the motility of the intestines and to maintain normal bowel movements.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Lubiprostone usually begins to work within 24 hours. Patients may experience relief of constipation symptoms within as little as 1-2 days after starting medication. However, maximum benefit may take up to 3 weeks.

Absorption

Lubiprostone is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and is rapidly metabolized in the liver.

Route of Elimination

Lubiprostone is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. Approximately 80% of an administered dose is eliminated through the urine, and 10 to 20% of an administered dose is eliminated through the feces.

Dosage

The recommended adult dose of lubiprostone is 24 mcg taken twice daily (48 mcg total) by mouth with food and water for adults. The maximum daily dosage is 48 mcg.

Administration

Lubiprostone should be taken with food and water. It should not be taken with alcoholic beverages. Taking the medicine with an acidic beverage, such as juice, may decrease its effectiveness.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lubiprostone include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, headache, dyspepsia, and dizziness.

Toxicity

No serious toxicity has been reported after consumption of lubiprostone at the recommended daily dosage.

Precaution

Lubiprostone should not be used in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.

Interaction

Lubiprostone may interact with other medications, including antacids, weekly iron, and vitamin C. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Drug-disease Interaction

Lubiprostone should not be used if you have a history of gastrointestinal obstruction or severe renal impairment.

Food Interactions

Lubiprostone is best taken with food and water. Taking the medicine with an acidic beverage, such as juice, may decrease its effectiveness.

Pregnancy Use

Lubiprostone is a Pregnancy Category C drug. This means that animal studies have not shown the drug to be harmful, but there are not enough studies to show if it is safe for use in pregnant women. Therefore, lubiprostone should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Lactation Use

It is unknown if lubiprostone passes into breast milk. Therefore, it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women.

Acute Overdose

In case of an acute overdose, contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of a lubiprostone overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Contraindication

Lubiprostone is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction and in patients with severe renal impairment.

Use Directions

  • Take lubiprostone with food and water.
  • Do not take it with an acidic beverage, such as juice.
  • The recommended adult dose is 24 mcg taken twice daily (48 mcg total).
  • The maximum daily dosage is 48 mcg.

Storage Conditions

Store lubiprostone at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of lubiprostone has not been determined.

Half Life

The half-life of lubiprostone is approximately 8 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of lubiprostone is approximately 0.54 L/h/kg.

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