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Amitiza

Amitiza is a medication approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women and chronic idiopathic constipation in men and women. This prescription medication works by helping to stimulate the movement of food through the intestines. Amitiza comes in capsule form and is typically taken twice a day with food and water. Possible side effects of the medicine include nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.

 

What Is Amitiza?

Amitiza® (lubiprostone) is a prescription medication licensed for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation in women
  • Chronic idiopathic constipation (long-term constipation with no apparent cause).
     
(Click Amitiza Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Amitiza?

Brand-name Amitiza is made by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Amitiza works by activating chloride channels in the intestine. This helps stimulate the flow of intestinal fluid, which, in turn, stimulates the movement of food through the intestines.
 

Clinical Studies on Amitiza

Studies have shown that Amitiza works quickly to relieve constipation. In one study for chronic idiopathic constipation, as many as 62.9 percent of people who took the drug had a bowel movement within the first 24 hours, compared to just 31.9 percent of those who took a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). Amitiza also increased the number of bowel movements per week and reduced the symptoms of chronic constipation, such as abdominal discomfort and bloating. Long-term studies have demonstrated that this medication keeps working with continued use (it does not stop working over time).
 
Studies have also shown that Amitiza can relieve the symptoms of IBS in women. In one study, as many as 13.8 percent of people responded well to the medicine, which means that their symptoms were "significantly relieved" or "moderately relieved," compared to just 7.8 percent of those who took a placebo. Studies have also shown that there was no "rebound" effect (a worsening of symptoms after the medication was stopped). Studies in men have not been large enough to determine if the medication is effective for this condition in men.
 

When and How to Take Amitiza

Some general considerations for those taking Amitiza include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth twice daily with food and water.
     
  • Make sure to swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or open them.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Amitiza will not continue to work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Amitiza your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Amitiza Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Amitiza

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Amitiza. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Some of the common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Amitiza Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

At this time, it appears that Amitiza is unlikely to interact with other medications (see Amitiza Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Amitiza?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • A bowel blockage (obstruction)
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Amitiza Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose. If you happen to take too much Amitiza, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Amitiza Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Amitiza as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Availabe Strengths

Amitiza capsules come in the following strengths:
 
  • Amitiza 8 mcg
  • Amitiza 24 mcg.
     

Generic Availability

Currently, Amitiza is not available in generic form (see Generic Amitiza for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;