See information below on IBS and this treatment. To create a Treatment Checklist, go to the bottom of the screen and enter your information in the four sections: 1) past or present use, 2) frequency and duration, 3) did this treatment work?, and 4) significant side effects. To see the next treatment either click on the treatment list at the bottom of the screen or click ‘Save and Continue to Next Treatment.’ Click ‘Submit (Done)’ to generate a list to print or email, to discuss with your physician.

Lubiprostone (Amitiza®)

How it works:
Activates a channel on intestinal cells that causes secretion of electrolytes and water which softens the stool and helps it to pass through the intestines and colon.
Which symptoms it helps:
Overall IBS-C symptoms, constipation, belly pain, bloating.
How long it takes to see a benefit:
Within 1-2 weeks.
Who may benefit:
Women with IBS-C.
FDA approved:
Adult women with IBS-C, adults with chronic constipation, adults with opioid induced constipation
Dosage:
8 and 24 mcg twice daily. The recommended dose is 8 mcg twice daily in patients with IBS-C, and 24 mcg twice daily for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation and opioid induced constipation.
Special considerations or risks:
Patients with liver disease are at increased risk for adverse reactions and dose adjustment for patients with moderate or severe liver disease may be required. Pregnancy: There is insufficient data on Lubiprostone use in pregnancy. Animal studies did not show an increase in structural malformations.
Most common side effects:
Nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Recommendation:
ACG recommends lubiprostone for overall symptom improvement in IBS-C patients.

Recommendation:
STRONG
Quality of Evidence:
MODERATE
Level of Evidence:
√
Past and Present Use Frequency and Duration Did this treatment work? Significant Side Effects
Past Use   Present Use   Yes   No   N/A