Treating Constipation with Amitiza

Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults and constipation predominant IBS (IBS-C) in women over the age of 18. Amitiza is an oral medication that has a laxative effect.

Amitiza stimulates the release of fluids into the lining of the intestines. It is thought that this increased fluid secretion softens the stool and decreases stool transit time, thus relieving the symptoms of constipation. Amitiza's effects are thought to remain almost exclusively within the intestinal tract.

The research suggests that Amitiza is slightly better than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of constipation. Amitiza has been shown to:

• Increase stool frequency
• Produce more consistent, well-formed stools
• Reduce straining and incomplete bowel evacuation
• Reduce abdominal pain and discomfort

Many gastroenterologists use lubiprostone in limited settings, as there are many alternative treatment choices.

You should not take Amitiza if you are experiencing any symptoms of diarrhea or a bowel obstruction. Amitiza should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding. Amitiza has not been approved for use in children.

Amitiza is usually well-tolerated and serious side effects are rare. The following side effects have been reported:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension

Nausea associated with Amitiza is not a rare event: It's estimated that 19 to 29% of Amitiza users experience nausea. In order to reduce the risk of nausea, it is recommended that you take the medication with food. To find out what type of experiences real people have had with with Amitiza, see:

• Amitiza and Nausea

_Sources:

_{Carter, N. & Scott L. "Lubiprostone: in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome." Drugs 2009 69:1229-1237.}

_{Gaman, A., Bucur, M. & Kuo, B. Therapeutic advances in functional gastrointestinal disease: irritable bowel syndrome Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 2009 2:169-181.}

_{Johnston, J. et.al. “Pilot Study on the Effect of Linaclotide in Patients With Chronic Constipation” American Journal of Gastroenterology 2009 104:125-132.}

_{Lacy, B. & Chey, W. "Lubiprostone: chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy 2009 10:143-152.}

Lacy, B., Weiser, K. & Lee, R. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 2009 2:221 - 238.