What is Amitiza
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. The medication may also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in women with constipation as a major symptom. Amitiza (lubiprostone) is a brand name prescription drug. 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 does, however, have the same effects that these other treatments cause. It increases the fluid in your intestines, which helps the stool to pass through. Amitiza comes as an oral capsule that you take with food and water.
Amitiza Uses
This medicine is being used to improve the symptoms of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation). Chronic idiopathic constipation has an unknown cause and is not due to diet, other diseases or drugs. Amitiza is also used to treat opioid-related constipation in people with ongoing pain due to medical conditions other than cancer. 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. Amitiza is a class of drugs known as chloride channel activators. It increases the levels of fluid in your intestines, making stool passage easier.
Amitiza Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Amitiza are:
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Trouble in breathing
Some of the serious side effects of Amitiza are:
Allergic reactions Symptoms:
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling in face
- Chest tightness
Severe Gastrointestinal Upset Symptoms:
- Pain or swelling in belly
- Nausea
Low blood pressure Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Trouble Concentrating
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Amitiza if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Amitiza side effects
Precautions
Before taking Amitiza talk with the doctor if you are having any allergic 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 are having any medical history such as:
- Stomach intestinal problems
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
How to take Amitiza?
Amitiza is usually taken twice a day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instructions. To prevent nausea, take Amitiza with food and water. Swallow the capsule and do not crush, chew, break or open the capsule. Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dose and adjust it overtime to get the right dose for you. In the end, they will prescribe the smallest dose that gives the desired effect.
Dosage Forms
Amitiza 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
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Amitiza 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 the dose.
Overdose
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. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change the way your drugs work or increase your risk of serious side effects. This document does not include all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Amitiza consult your Doctor. In case if 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. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow 2your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Amitiza.
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). |
Some of the common side effects of Amitiza are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Linzess are:
|
