What is lubiprostone?

Lubiprostone is a prescription medicine that is used to treat constipation. It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Description

Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator for oral use.

The chemical name for lubiprostone is (-)-7-[(2R,4aR,5R,7aR)-2-(1,1-difluoropentyl)-2-hydroxy-6-oxooctahydrocyclopenta[b]pyran-5-yl]heptanoic acid. The molecular formula of lubiprostone is C20H32F2O5 with a molecular weight of 390.46 and a chemical structure as follows:

Lubiprostone drug substance occurs as white, odorless crystals or crystalline powder, is very soluble in ether and ethanol, and is practically insoluble in hexane and water. Lubiprostone capsules are available as an imprinted, oval, soft gelatin capsule in two strengths. Pink capsules contain 8 mcg of lubiprostone and the following inactive ingredients: black iron oxide, gelatin, iron oxide red, medium-chain triglycerides, purified water, sorbitol sorbitan solution, and titanium dioxide. Orange capsules contain 24 mcg of lubiprostone and the following inactive ingredients: D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Red #40, gelatin, medium-chain triglycerides, purified water and sorbitol sorbitan solution.

Mechanism of Action

Lubiprostone is a locally acting chloride channel activator that enhances a chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion without altering sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum. Lubiprostone acts by specifically activating ClC-2, which is a normal constituent of the apical membrane of the human intestine, in a protein kinase A-independent fashion.

By increasing intestinal fluid secretion, lubiprostone increases motility in the intestine, thereby facilitating the passage of stool and alleviating symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic constipation. Patch clamp cell studies in human cell lines have indicated that the majority of the beneficial biological activity of lubiprostone and its metabolites is observed only on the apical (luminal) portion of the gastrointestinal epithelium.

Lubiprostone, via activation of apical ClC-2 channels in intestinal epithelial cells, bypasses the antisecretory action of opiates that results from suppression of secretomotor neuron excitability.

Activation of ClC-2 by lubiprostone has also been shown to stimulate recovery of mucosal barrier function and reduce intestinal permeability via the restoration of tight junction protein complexes in ex vivo studies of ischemic porcine intestine.

Before taking lubiprostone, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to lubiprostone; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block or diarrhea.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with lubiprostone.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take lubiprostone with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take lubiprostone?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take lubiprostone. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using lubiprostone while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is lubiprostone best taken?

Use lubiprostone as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with food.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of lubiprostone that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Low blood pressure has happened with lubiprostone. Rarely, low blood pressure has led to the need to go to the hospital. Diarrhea and throwing up may raise the chance of low blood pressure. Call your doctor right away if you feel very dizzy or feel like passing out.

What are some other side effects of lubiprostone?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Gas.
• Bloating.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out lubiprostone?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Label

• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

   

  

   

  

   

  SRC: NLM .