Lubiprostone Treatment for Constipation

Administration and Efficacy

The American Gastroenterological Association suggests that lubiprostone should be taken with food and water to reduce the risk of nausea, with effects typically manifesting within 2 days in patients who respond to treatment 1
Clinical trials demonstrated that lubiprostone significantly increases spontaneous bowel movements compared to placebo, with beneficial effects on abdominal discomfort and bloating 2
Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment should receive a reduced dose of 8 mcg twice daily, with efficacy in persons 65 years and older comparable to the overall population 1

Nausea is the most common adverse event, but typically mild to moderate, with only about 5% of patients discontinuing therapy due to nausea 2
For chronic idiopathic constipation, lubiprostone is suggested for adults who do not respond to over-the-counter agents, and can be used as a replacement for or as an adjunct to OTC agents 2
For IBS-C, lubiprostone is considered an efficacious second-line drug in secondary care 3
For opioid-induced constipation, lubiprostone is effective for relieving OIC while preserving opioid-mediated analgesia 4