Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication that helps reduce constipation by increasing fluid in the intestines, making bowel movements easier.
The medication may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as a major symptom.
What Are the Uses of Amitiza Tablet?
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is commonly prescribed to relieve chronic constipation and improve bowel movement regularity and comfort. Other uses of Amitiza include:
Treats Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in adults
Reduces constipation due to opioid pain medications (non-cancer pain)
Relieves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in women
Reduces bloating, straining, and abdominal discomfort
Improves stool texture and reduces the feeling of incomplete evacuation
Works by increasing intestinal fluid to make stool passage smoother
How Does Amitiza Work (Mechanism of Action)?
The brand name of lubiprostone is Amitiza, is a type of drug that is called a chloride channel activator. This is not a stool softener, a type of fiber, or a traditional laxative.
It stimulates chloride channels in the gut lining, increasing fluid secretion in the intestines.
This softens stool and makes it easier to pass, reducing discomfort and straining.
Amitiza Dosage Instructions
Taking the right dose at the right time is important to get the most benefit from Amitiza and reduce side effects.
Dosage Forms
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is available as an oral, gelatin capsule that contains 8 mcg or 24 mcg.
8 mcg capsules are pink and are printed with "SPI" on one side
24 mcg capsules are orange and are printed with "SPI" on one side
How to take Amitiza Capsule?
Amitiza is usually taken twice a day as directed by your doctor.
Always follow the instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides provided.
To help prevent nausea, take Amitiza with food and water.
Swallow the capsule whole - do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually adjust it to find the most effective dose.
The goal is to use the smallest dose that provides the desired effect.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Amitiza?
Missing one or two doses of Amitiza (lubiprostone) won't show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time.
If you miss a dose, some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed a dose.
What Happens If I Overdose on Amitiza?
An overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Amitiza tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. An overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency.
Symptoms may include severe nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, or abdominal pain
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
If you have any of these severe symptoms, immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Amitiza, if you get any kind of reaction in your body, try avoiding it.
Precautions Before Using Amitiza
Before taking Amitiza, talk with the doctor if you have any allergies to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions.
Before using Amitiza, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as:
Not advised during pregnancy unless clearly needed - consult your doctor.
Safety in children has not been established.
Can I Take Amitiza with Alcohol or Certain Foods?
For best results and safety, know what to avoid while taking Amitiza.
Take Amitiza with food and water to reduce nausea
Limit or avoid alcohol, as it may worsen side effects like dizziness
No known food interactions, but stick to your prescribed diet plan
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Drug interactions may change the way your drugs work or increase the risk of serious side effects.
This information does not cover all possible drug interactions.
Keep a list of all the medications you use, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.
Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
How Should Amitiza Be Stored?
Proper storage keeps the medicine safe and effective for use throughout its shelf life.
Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects.
Before taking Amitiz, consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Amitiza, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
Amitiza vs Linzess
Amitiza
Linzess
Amitiza increases fluid secretion in your intestines to make it easier for stools to pass through (bowel movements). Amitiza is used to treat chronic constipation or constipation caused by opioid (narcotic) pain medication.
Linzess is a medication used to treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. Linzess may be used on its own or with other medicines.
This medicine could improve symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, improve stool texture, reduce the need for strain, and reduce the feeling of not being completely relieved.
Linzess is being used to treat certain types of gastrointestinal issues (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation).
The most common side effects of taking AMITIZA 24 mcg twice daily for CIC are nausea, diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and gas. These are not all of the side effects associated with AMITIZA. Tell your doctor about any side effects you may have.
Amitiza works quickly. For example, the clinical study looked at the use of Amitiza in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). Approximately 57% of the people studied had bowel movements within 24 hours of taking the medication.
Bisacodyl, an over-the-counter stimulant laxative, was superior to both Amitiza and Linzess in terms of changing the number of bowel movements per week.
Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a laxative used to treat chronic opioid constipation and constipation. Amitiza is the only drug in the class of chloride channel activators. Currently, there are no generic alternatives to Amitiza.
Common side effects of Amitiza 24 mcg include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal pain. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects.
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Amitiza. However, if you notice unusual weight changes, consult your doctor.
Amitiza is not typically recommended during pregnancy. Use it only if your doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks.
Yes, Amitiza is the brand name for the drug lubiprostone. Both refer to the same medication used for constipation.
Amitiza activates chloride channels to increase fluid in the intestines, while Motegrity enhances gut motility. Their mechanisms and side effects differ.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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