Indications
Amitiza (active ingredient: lubiprostone) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: Amitiza is used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, which is characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements without a known cause.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation: It is also indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women. IBS-C involves abdominal pain or discomfort along with changes in bowel habits, including constipation.
Amitiza belongs to a class of drugs called chloride channel activators. These medications work by increasing the secretion of chloride ions in the intestines, which helps to soften stool and improve bowel movements.
Uses and Dosage
Amitiza comes as an oral capsule and should be taken with food and water, usually twice daily. Swallow the capsule whole and do not break or chew it. Doing so could reduce the effectiveness of the medication or cause unpleasant side effects.
The typical dosing for lubiprostone (Amitiza) is as follows:
- Constipation due to opioids or unclear cause: Take 24 mcg by mouth twice daily.
- Constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome: Women who are age 18 years or older should take 8 mcg by mouth twice daily. Follow the doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Amitiza include:
- Bloating
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Gas
- Headache
- Joint/back pain
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Vomiting
Form and Strength
Amitiza and its generic alternative of Lubiprostone are available in the following forms and strengths.
Amitiza: Capsule
- 8 mcg
- 24 mcg
Lubiprostone: Soft Gelatin Capsule
- 24 mcg
Caution
- You should not use lubiprostone if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea. Taking lubiprostone when you have these conditions can worsen them or cause other serious health issues.
- Do not take lubiprostone if you have a blockage in your digestive tract, or if you have severe diarrhea.
- Patients taking lubiprostone may experience nausea, taking it with food and water may help alleviate this side effect.
- If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, are pregnant, or nursing, do not take lubiprostone.
- Do not break or chew the capsule as this can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or cause unpleasant side effects.
- In older adults, use lubiprostone with caution due to potential risks of high magnesium levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How quickly does lubiprostone work?
lubiprostone is effective in providing relief from constipation within 24 hours of starting treatment, with 60% of patients having a spontaneous bowel movement within this time frame
What happens if you take Amitiza on an empty stomach?
Amitiza is highly likely to cause nausea in almost one in every three patients who take the drug. This is more likely to occur if it is taken on an empty stomach and can be severe and debilitating, preventing patients from performing their normal daily activities.
How much Amitiza should I take?
The maximum dosage for Amitiza is 48 mcg per day.
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