Amitiza (lubiprostone) - Amitiza side effects, Amitiza dosage
Amitiza is a chloride channel activator. It comes in oval, gelatin 8 mcg or 24 mcg capsule. Its generic name is lubiprostone. It increases movements of intestinal muscle which help bowel movements. It works by increasing the fluid secretion in the intestines.
Amitiza Primary Uses:
This drug is used as treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation suffered by adults. It is also designed to treat constipation and irritable bowel movement suffered by women aging 18 and above.
Other Uses For Amitiza
It is believed that this drug has also other uses aside from what its main usage. But talk to your doctor about this so that you know what are its other possible uses.
Amitiza Side Effects:
Taking Amitiza may have side effects. Some do not experience any. But there are people who suffer from Amitiza side effects, especially those who are unfit to take the drug. The effects vary from the mild ones to the severe and serious symptoms. Below are the minor and major side effects of this drug:
Minor Amitiza Side Effects
- Mild diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Swelling (hands, feet, ankles)
- Sore throat, cough
- Muscle or joint pain
- Cold Sweats
- Anxiety
- Headache, dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
Major Amitiza Side Effects
- Swelling in the face, lips, tongue, and throat
- Severe vomiting
- Severe diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
Meet with your doctor to seek treatment if ever you experience these symptoms, especially the major ones.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are regularly taking this drug for a long time, there is a great chance that your body will develop a degree of dependency to it. This makes stopping the drugs a challenge; because if you abruptly discontinue taking the drugs, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms could be mild, depending on how dependent you are to the drug. When you want to discontinue the use of this drug, gradually take the drug in lower dosage.
How To Take Amitiza:
Amitiza comes in 8-mcg and 24-mcg capsules. For idiopathic chronic constipation, the normal dosage is 24-mcg. And for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, the recommended
What to Avoid When Taking Amitiza:
There are contraindications with regards to taking this drug. The patient must know what drugs and medical conditions interact with Amitiza to prevent any serious health problems. However, based on some studies, there is less drug-drug interaction with Amitiza. Medical conditions also interact with this drug. Taking the drug even with these conditions could danger the health of the patient. Avoid using this drug if you have suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction and severe diarrhea.
Warnings:
This drug has not been proven safe for the unborn baby, so do not take it if you are pregnant. This is to prevent possible harm or defect to the fetus. It has not been thoroughly studied if lubiprostone gets excreted in the human milk. But just to make sure, do not take this drug for the safety of your child if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about this. Children below 18 years old are not prescribed to take this drug. It has not yet been proven to be safe and effective for pediatric use.
Amitiza Overdose And Remedy:Some patients who are using this drug could be victims of drug overdose. Overdose usually happens when the patient use too much Amitiza. This is the reason why everyone using this drug is advised to follow their doctor’s prescription. Some manifestations of drug overdose are mild and are likely easy to treat. But there are also severe cases of drug overdose, even fatal. If you have any of these drug overdose symptoms, immediately seek for treatment: headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fainting, hot flashes, trouble breathing, and pale skin.
This drug has been proven effective treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel movement with constipation. However, you must take not of what to avoid when taking this drug. You should also carefully read the instructions in the prescription label to avoid overdosage and other related health problems. And most importantly, seek medical advice before taking this drug.