lubiprostone

lubiprostone,

a miscellaneous GI agent.

indications This drug is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug and GI obstruction prohibit its use.

adverse effects Adverse effects of this drug include dizziness, depression, fatigue, insomnia, hypertension, chest pain, abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastroenteritis, viral gastroesophageal reflux disease, vomiting, fecal incontinence, fecal urgency, urinary tract infection, chest pain, peripheral edema, influenza, pyrexia, viral infection, back pain, arthralgia, muscle cramps, pain in extremities, bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory infection. Common side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and eructation.

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lubiprostone

Amitiza

Pharmacologic class: Chloride channel activator

Therapeutic class: GI motility enhancer

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Enhances chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion without altering sodium and potassium serum concentrations; increases intestinal fluid secretion and intestinal motility, which promotes stool passage and relieves symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation

Availability

Soft gelatin capsules: 24 mcg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Chronic idiopathic constipation

Adults: 1 capsule P.O. twice daily with food

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• History of mechanical GI obstruction

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• severe diarrhea, hepatic or renal dysfunction
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Administer with food.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	1.14 hr	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, dizziness, hypoesthesia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia

CV: chest discomfort or pain, hypertension

EENT: sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distention, abdominal pain or discomfort, flatulence, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroenteritis, dry mouth

GU: urinary tract infection

Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, back pain, extremity pain, muscle cramp

Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, bronchitis, dyspnea, cough

Other: weight gain, peripheral edema, fever, viral infection

Interactions

None

Patient monitoring

• Evaluate patient for signs and symptoms of mechanical obstruction before therapy begins.
• Assess patient periodically for continuing need for therapy.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient not to take drug during episodes of severe diarrhea.
• Caution female patient with childbearing potential that drug may pose hazard to fetus.
• Advise breastfeeding patient that she should decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or stop taking drug.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions.