Lubiprostone
About
Lubiprostone belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat chronic constipation and constipation associated with medicines like opioids (painkillers). Besides this, Lubiprostone is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome-associated constipation in women. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful and hard to pass. A constipated person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. It occurs when the large intestine's regular muscle contractions slow down, thereby causing incomplete bowel elimination from the body.
Lubiprostone contains ‘Lubiprostone’ that works by retaining the water inside the intestines, which causes the intestine's easy movement. It also acts by drawing water into the bowel and makes the stool softer and easier to pass, thereby providing relief from constipation. Thus, it relieves constipation. Lubiprostone also helps in normalizing bowel movements.
You are advised to take Lubiprostone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, pain or cramps, nausea and headache in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Lubiprostone for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Lubiprostone should not be given to the people who had an allergic reaction to Lubiprostone or any of its components, signs of dehydration, problems like appendicitis, bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction) and liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking Lubiprostone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Lubiprostone only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Lubiprostone is not recommended to children below 18 years. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking Lubiprostone to prevent dehydration.
Uses of Lubiprostone
Medicinal Benefits
Lubiprostone belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat long-lasting constipation in adults and constipation associated with opioid (painkillers) pain medicine, and irritable bowel syndrome associated with constipation. Lubiprostone consists of ‘Lubiprostone’ that works by retaining the water inside the intestines, which causes the intestine's easy movement. It also acts by drawing water into the bowel and makes the stool softer and easier to pass, thereby providing relief from constipation. Lubiprostone helps in normalizing bowel movements.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lubiprostone
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Lubiprostone if you are allergic to any of its contents. Consult your doctor before taking Lubiprostone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Lubiprostone only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Lubiprostone should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) to avoid dehydration while taking Lubiprostone. Do not take Lubiprostone if you have severe dehydration, appendicitis, blockage in the intestine, blocked bowel or inflammation of the bowel and liver disease. Do not take Lubiprostone unless prescribed by your doctor. If you feel light-headed every time, you take this medicine, inform your doctor. You may have tightness in your chest or feel short of breath talk with your doctor if this side effect becomes bothersome. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Lubiprostone may interact with anticancer (idelalisib), and pain killer (methadone); tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Food-Drug Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Lubiprostone may interact with intestinal obstruction disorder, appendicitis, intestinal blockage, bowel inflammation, liver impairment and dyspnea (shortness of breath).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Lubiprostone. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionLubiprostone is a pregnancy category C drug. If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before taking Lubiprostone; your doctor will prescribe Lubiprostone if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionYour baby may develop diarrhea if you take Lubiprostone while breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Lubiprostone if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe Lubiprostone if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedLubiprostone has negligible influence on your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionTake Lubiprostone with caution, especially if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. However, Lubiprostone is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney problems or any concerns.
Children
cautionLubiprostone should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, and drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Try making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
- Eat food rich in fibre, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs) and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Special Advise
- Include more fiber in your diet to avoid constipation, and most importantly never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements in which stools are often dry, painful and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which the person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the large intestine's normal muscle contractions slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fibre, not drinking enough liquids and lack of exercise.
FAQs
Lubiprostone consists of 'Lubiprostone' that works by increasing the secretion of fluids in the intestine, which in turn increases the motility of the intestine, thereby making the stool soft and easier to pass.
Consult your doctor before taking Lubiprostone with other medicines as Lubiprostone may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, and this may affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines given simultaneously.
Diarrhea might be a side-effect of Lubiprostone. Drink lots of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience diarrhea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Constipation happens when the normal actions of muscle in the large intestine get slowed down, which means the waste products (stools) do not easily eliminated from the body.
Overuse or prolonged use of Lubiprostone may cause dehydration. Severe dehydration may cause weakness, tremors, fainting and blurry vision. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
