Amitiza (generic name lubiprostone) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and constipation caused by opioid medications. It is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator, which increases fluid in the intestines to help pass stool. While it is not a traditional laxative, it does have a laxative effect. It is typically taken orally, twice a day, with food and water. This drug is not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brand Name | Amitiza |
Generic Name | Lubiprostone |
Drug Class | Chloride Channel Activator |
Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
Availability | Prescription only |
Dosage | 8mcg or 24mcg, twice daily |
Side Effects | Nausea, Diarrhea, Gas, Vomiting, Dry Mouth, Runny Nose, Cough, Fever, Headache, Joint/Back Pain, Trouble Sleeping, Low Blood Pressure, Fainting, Difficulty Breathing, Chest Tightness, Allergic Reactions |
Interactions | Medications for high blood pressure, anti-diarrheal medications, methadone |
Precautions | History of bowel blockage, severe diarrhea, liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding |
What You'll Learn
Amitiza is a chloride channel activator
Amitiza (lubiprostone) 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 unrelated to cancer. It is not a traditional laxative, stool softener, or fibre supplement, but it produces similar effects by increasing fluid levels in the intestines, aiding stool passage.
The activation of chloride channels by Amitiza increases fluid flow into the intestine, making it easier for stool to pass through the system. This mechanism is particularly effective for individuals with CIC, where the exact cause of constipation is unknown. In clinical trials, Amitiza demonstrated rapid relief from CIC, with 60% of patients experiencing a spontaneous bowel movement within 24 hours of taking the medication.
As a chloride channel activator, Amitiza has been shown to improve symptoms associated with chronic constipation, including abdominal bloating, discomfort, stool consistency, and straining. These improvements were sustained over a six-to-twelve-month treatment period. The medication is the first selective chloride channel activator approved for therapeutic use in chronic idiopathic constipation, providing an innovative treatment option for adults, especially those unsatisfied with traditional approaches.
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It is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator, which increases fluid in the intestines to help pass stool. This is particularly useful for those suffering from CIC, as it is a condition with an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases, or drugs.
Amitiza is taken orally, typically twice a day with food and water, and should be swallowed whole without chewing or breaking the capsule. It is important to note that Amitiza is not a traditional laxative, but it does produce similar effects. The dosage may vary depending on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment, and it should be taken regularly to get the most benefit.
Amitiza has been found to be effective in treating CIC, improving symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation severity, stool consistency, and the need to strain. It is also known to reduce abdominal bloating. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking this medication, as there are potential side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, and low blood pressure.
In summary, Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication that effectively treats chronic idiopathic constipation by increasing fluid in the intestines. It is taken orally, and while it is not a traditional laxative, it provides similar relief for those suffering from CIC, especially when the cause is unknown. As with any medication, consulting a doctor is essential to ensure safe and effective use.
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It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult females. It is not approved for use in children or males.
IBS-C is a form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in which abdominal pain is associated with constipation. Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools are difficult to pass. Lubiprostone treats IBS-C by softening the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement.
Amitiza is taken as an oral capsule with food and water. It is typically taken twice a day and should be swallowed whole. The recommended adult dosage is 8 mcg twice daily. You should take Amitiza for as long as your doctor recommends.
Amitiza is not a traditional laxative, but it does have a similar effect by increasing fluid levels in the intestines, which helps to pass stools. It belongs to a class of drugs called chloride channel activators, which increase the secretion of fluid in the intestines.
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It is used to treat constipation caused by opioids
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication used to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults taking opioids for long-lasting pain that is not related to cancer. Opioid-induced constipation is a common adverse effect of long-term opioid use, as opioids bind to peripheral opioid receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a reduction in fluid and abnormal gut motility. This can cause severe constipation, which may warrant discontinuation of opioid treatment.
Amitiza is a chloride channel activator, a type of drug that increases fluid levels in the intestines, facilitating stool passage. It is not a traditional laxative, stool softener, or fibre supplement, but it produces similar effects. The recommended dosage for adults is 24 mcg taken orally twice daily with food and water. It is important to note that Amitiza should not be taken with diphenylheptane opioids like methadone, as it may interfere with its effectiveness.
Amitiza has been shown to be effective in treating OIC, with two out of three clinical studies demonstrating positive results. However, it is important to note that Amitiza may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and flatulence. Some less common but serious side effects include allergic reactions, severe gastrointestinal upset, and low blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking this medication.
In summary, Amitiza (lubiprostone) is an effective treatment for opioid-induced constipation in adults taking opioids for non-cancer-related pain. By increasing fluid levels in the intestines, it helps alleviate constipation without interfering with pain relief. However, it may cause side effects, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use.
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It is not a traditional laxative
Amitiza (generic name lubiprostone) is not a traditional laxative. It is a prescription medication that treats chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. It is also used to treat constipation caused by opioid medications in people with ongoing pain due to conditions other than cancer.
Lubiprostone is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator. It increases the amount of fluid in the intestines, making it easier to pass stool. This is similar to the effects of traditional laxatives, stool softeners, and types of fiber, but it is not the same.
Amitiza comes as an oral capsule taken with food and water, typically twice a day. It is important to swallow the capsule whole and not break or chew it. The dosage depends on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. It should be taken regularly, and patients should talk to their doctor about whether they still need the treatment.
Some common side effects of Amitiza include nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, joint/back pain, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, bowel blockage, low blood pressure, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
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Frequently asked questions
Amitiza (lubiprostone) 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 opioids for long-lasting, non-cancer-related pain. It is not a traditional laxative, but it does have a similar effect, increasing fluid in the intestines to help pass stool.
Amitiza may cause mild or serious side effects. More common side effects include trouble breathing, which generally goes away after a few hours, as well as nausea, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, dry mouth, runny nose, cough, fever, headache, joint/back pain, and trouble sleeping. Serious side effects are rare but include allergic reactions, severe gastrointestinal upset, and low blood pressure.
While Amitiza is not a traditional laxative, it has been shown to effectively treat constipation. If you are considering taking additional laxatives with Amitiza, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first, as they can advise on potential interactions and the most suitable treatment plan for your condition.