
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic constipation in adults. It is not a traditional laxative, but it does have a similar effect, increasing fluid in the intestines to help pass stools. It is recommended that Amitiza is taken twice a day with food and water. So, can you take a laxative while on Amitiza?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Amitiza classification | Chloride channel activator |
Amitiza use | Treats chronic constipation, constipation from opioids, and other types of constipation. |
Amitiza side effects | Light-headedness, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, allergic reaction, severe gastrointestinal upset, low blood pressure |
Amitiza interactions | No known interactions with alcohol. May increase the risk of fainting or low blood pressure when taken with high blood pressure medications. May be less effective when taken with anti-diarrheal medications. |
What You'll Learn
Amitiza is a laxative
Amitiza is used to treat certain types of constipation, such as that associated with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Idiopathic Constipation. This type of constipation is usually not associated with diet and generally has an unknown cause. Amitiza is also used to treat patients who suffer from constipation after taking certain opioid medications.
Amitiza is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator. It’s not a stool softener, a type of fibre, or a traditional laxative. However, it does bring on the same effects that these other treatments cause. It increases fluid in your intestines, which helps pass stools.
Amitiza is usually taken twice a day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions. To prevent nausea, take Amitiza with food and water. Swallow the capsule and do not crush, chew, break or open the capsule.
Amitiza is quite safe to take. Many people take this drug long-term without any major side effects. In the short term, it may cause some side effects such as tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms usually dissipate. It is okay to take the drug for up to nine months. As a laxative, the drug is highly and widely recommended by doctors.
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It is not a traditional laxative
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is not a traditional laxative. It is a prescription medication that treats chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in females, and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in people taking opioid drugs for long-lasting pain unrelated to cancer.
Amitiza is a chloride channel activator, a type of drug that increases fluid levels in the intestines, making it easier to pass stool. While it is not a traditional laxative, it does produce similar effects. It is available as an oral capsule that should be taken with food and water, typically twice a day, and as directed by a doctor.
Amitiza is not a stool softener, nor is it a type of fibre. It is different from traditional laxatives, which are typically available over the counter and used to treat constipation caused by various factors. Amitiza, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that specifically targets certain types of constipation.
Amitiza works by activating chloride channels in the intestine, increasing fluid flow, and thereby facilitating bowel movements. It is not a controlled substance, but it does require a prescription from a doctor. It is generally safe for long-term use, with many people taking it for extended periods without significant side effects. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking Amitiza to ensure it is suitable for your individual needs.
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It is a chloride channel activator
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a chloride channel activator. Chloride channels are found in most cells throughout the body. They are proteins that transport certain molecules across cell membranes. In the gastrointestinal tract, these channels play an important role in transporting fluid.
Amitiza activates these channels, which increases the amount of fluid in the intestines. This increased fluid helps the body to pass stool. It is not a stool softener, a type of fibre, or a traditional laxative, but it does bring on the same effects as these other treatments.
Amitiza is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in females, and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in people taking opioid drugs for long-lasting pain that is not related to cancer. It is taken orally, usually twice a day, with food and water.
Amitiza is generally well-tolerated and safe. It is not a controlled substance and does not have a black-box warning. However, it should not be used by anyone with a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to the drug, severe diarrhoea, gastrointestinal obstruction, or moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, joint/back pain, and trouble sleeping.
Amitiza is not recommended for use in children, as it has not been found to be safe or effective for treating constipation in this age group. It is also not advised for use while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and cause severe diarrhoea in the nursing infant.
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It increases fluid in the intestines
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in females, and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in people taking opioid drugs for long-lasting pain unrelated to cancer. It is a chloride channel activator, which means it increases the amount of fluid in the intestines, helping to pass stool.
Amitiza is not a stool softener, a type of fibre, or a traditional laxative. However, it produces similar effects to these treatments. It is available as an oral capsule, typically taken twice a day with food and water.
Amitiza works by activating chloride channels in the small intestine, increasing intestinal fluid secretion and accelerating small intestine and colonic transit time. This helps to improve stool consistency and accelerate bowel movement.
The increased fluid in the intestines helps to pass stool more easily, providing relief from constipation. This makes Amitiza particularly effective in treating chronic constipation, including constipation from opioids and irritable bowel syndrome.
By increasing fluid levels in the intestines, Amitiza helps to loosen stools, making it easier and less painful to pass them. This is especially beneficial for individuals with constipation, as it provides rapid relief by increasing the frequency of bowel movements.
Amitiza is a unique medication in its class, and there are currently no other chloride channel activator medications available. It is a highly effective and recommended treatment for severe constipation, with many individuals taking it long-term without experiencing any major side effects.
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It is not suitable for children
Amitiza is a prescription medication used to treat chronic constipation in adults. It is not suitable for children. In a clinical study of children aged 6 to 17 years, Amitiza was not found to be effective in treating constipation. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in this age group.
Amitiza, also known as lubiprostone, is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator. It increases fluid secretion in the intestines, making it easier for stools to pass. While it is effective in treating constipation in adults, it has not been found to be safe or effective for children.
The medication is typically taken orally, with food and water, twice a day. It is important to swallow the capsule whole and not to crush, chew, or break it. Amitiza is generally well-tolerated, and many people take this medication long-term without any major side effects. However, it is always important to follow the advice of a doctor or healthcare provider when taking any medication.
While Amitiza is a safe and effective treatment option for adults with constipation, it is not suitable for children. It is important to explore other treatment options for constipation in children under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat chronic constipation and constipation caused by opioids or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It increases fluid secretion in the intestines, making it easier to pass stools.
Some common side effects of Amitiza include light-headedness, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and low blood pressure.
Amitiza is a laxative itself, so it is not recommended to take an additional laxative while on this medication. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.