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What is Amitiza
LubiprostoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLubiprostone is a medication used to treat chronic constipation. It works by activating ClC-2 chloride channels found in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to produce a fluid that softens the stool and encourages spontaneous bowel movements. It is a prostaglandin E1 derivative, meaning it is made from fatty acids.
Amitizais the brand name
Amitiza Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Amitiza
Lubiprostone
2006
34
Effectiveness
How Amitiza Affects PatientsChronic idiopathic constipation is when someone has infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, straining, and hard or lumpy stools can be caused by abnormal activity in the colon. Lubiprostone is a drug that helps treat this by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines. It does this by activating special channels in the lining of the intestines, but it does not affect the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood.
How Amitiza works in the bodyLubiprostone works by activating ClC-2 chloride channels in the intestinal wall. This causes a flow of chloride and sodium ions into the intestine that boosts fluid secretion and increases motility. This helps with constipation by speeding up the passage of stools and restoring the normal functioning of the intestinal wall. Most of the benefits of lubiprostone are seen on the inside (luminal) portion of the digestive tract.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed amount of Amitiza is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Opioid-Induced Constipation, Chronic Constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). The measure of dosage differs, depending on the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Capsule) presented in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Opioid-Induced Constipation
, 0.008 mg, 0.024 mg
Oral, , Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
, 0.008 mg, 0.024 mg
Oral, , Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Pain
, 0.008 mg, 0.024 mg
Oral, , Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
, 0.008 mg, 0.024 mg
Oral, , Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Warnings
Amitiza ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction
Do Not Combine
Common Amitiza Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abacavir
Minor
Lubiprostone may decrease the excretion rate of Abacavir which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Lubiprostone may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Minor
Lubiprostone may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.
Alloin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lubiprostone is combined with Alloin.
Allylestrenol
Minor
Lubiprostone may decrease the excretion rate of Allylestrenol which could result in a higher serum level.
Amitiza Toxicity & Overdose RiskA study of 51 patients who took a single dose of lubiprostone (6 times the normal dose) found that 39 of them reported an adverse event. Common side effects included nausea (45.1%), vomiting (27.5%), diarrhea (25.5%), dizziness (17.6%), loose or watery stools (13.7%), headache (11.8%), retching (7.8%), abdominal pain (5.9%), flushing or hot flush (5.9%), dyspnea (3.9%), pallor (3.9%), stomach discomfort (3.9%), syncope (
Amitiza Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Amitiza?
31 active clinical trials are presently investigating the potential of Amitiza to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and Chronic Constipation.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pain
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
0 Actively Recruiting
Opioid-Induced Constipation
0 Actively Recruiting
Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Not Applicable
Amitiza Reviews: What are patients saying about Amitiza?
5Patient Review
5/12/2019 IBS-C has been a nightmare for me, but this medication is finally providing some relief. I would recommend it to anyone who's struggling with a similar condition.
5Patient Review
2/13/2019 I found that this treatment works best when I drink a lot of water with it, and even better when I add prune juice to the mix.
4.7Patient Review
1/5/2021 I have M.S. and IBS, so finding a daily regimen that works for me has been difficult. However, I've found that taking 1 capful of Miralax in 10 oz hot water or coffee before breakfast, and then taking 1 8 mg capsule of Amitiza with breakfast leads to results within two hours. If you need it, there's also liquid glycerin suppositories. I find that the 8 mg Amitiza dose every morning is sufficient, but if you miss a day don't worry too much about it.
4.3Patient Review
10/24/2017 Though it took some time to kick in, this medication has been working great for me. I've gone from needing it once a week to almost every day.
4Patient Review
10/22/2017 My doctor gave me 24mcg samples for OIC and the resulting anal fissures. We tried daily, but it worked very well-- maybe too well! We switched to every other day and that's working better.
3.7Patient Review
3/17/2018 I was struggling with constipation for two weeks before starting this medication. Unfortunately, it has now caused me to have diarrhea every day. I go at least five times a day and would like to be taken off the medication.
3Patient Review
10/6/2021 This medication made me feel nauseous and gave me abdominal cramps. Additionally, it was quite expensive.
2.7Patient Review
6/30/2020 I felt incredibly sick after taking this medication. I had burning in my lungs and chest, felt hot all over, nauseous, anxious, and my heart was pounding. I also had a bowel movement (which was moderate). I can't take this ever again; it made me feel like I'd been poisoned
2.3Patient Review
7/8/2021 Amitiza not only failed to alleviate my constipation, it actually made me more bloated and in pain. Additionally, I was unable to sleep and developed chest pain. If this medication had helped me at all, the prohibitive cost would still make it unviable for long-term use.
2.3Patient Review
7/19/2020 This medicine is way too expensive and it made my poop really weird. Peanut butter consistency, to be exact. Mirlax works just as well and costs a fraction of the price.
2.3Patient Review
4/22/2020 Unfortunately, this medication gave me severe diarrhea and dehydration.
2Patient Review
5/29/2019 Amitiza doesn't do much for bloating, which is my main issue with IBS-C. The dosage has been increased over time and it's still not effective.
1.7Patient Review
11/19/2017 I used this for two weeks and it made me feel terrible! I had severe nausea, depression, and headaches. It barely helped with my constipation and ibs.
1.7Patient Review
4/24/2019 I tried this treatment while continuing to drink Smooth Move tea, but saw little results. Sometimes I would have a bowel movement days apart, and other times it would be more frequent. There was also the issue of terrible swelling and pain in my hands and feet. I stopped taking the medication when the pain became too much to bear, but restarted it after a few days. However, the cycle simply repeated itself. In short, this treatment is not worth the agony it causes.
1Patient Review
4/16/2018 After taking this medication for two months and reading reviews, I have decided to stop. I experienced many negative side effects, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, gas, insomnia, and mood swings. These were not worth the benefit of the medication (which was none for me).
Patient Q&A Section about amitiza
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Amitiza a laxative?
"Amitiza is a drug that works in a similar way to fiber and traditional laxatives, by increasing fluid levels in the intestines and helping to pass stool. Amitiza is a type of drug called a chloride channel activator."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of taking Amitiza?
"You may experience nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, vomiting, dry mouth, and a runny nose when taking this medication."
Answered by AI
What does the drug Amitiza do?
"This text is discussing the use of a medication to treat two types of constipation: chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Chronic idiopathic constipation does not have a known cause. It is not caused by diet, other diseases, or drugs."
Answered by AI