Gutfix
Cheaper & Alternative Brands
Same generic (Lubiprostone), same form (Capsule)
Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
: Gutfix is indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.
Opioid-induced Constipation
: Gutfix is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adults.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation
: Gutfix is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women >18 years old.
Dosage & Administration
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
: Lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily orally with food and water.
Opioid-induced Constipation
: Lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily orally with food and water.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation
: Lubiprostone 8 mcg should be taken twice daily orally with food and water.
Contraindications
Lubiprostone is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction.
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Nausea, vomiting, loose stools, dry mouth, stomach discomfort, headache, dizziness etc.
Warnings & Precautions
Nausea
: Patients taking Gutfix may experience nausea. If this occurs, concomitant administration of food with Gutfix may reduce symptoms of nausea.
Diarrhea
: Gutfix should not be prescribed to patients that have severe diarrhea.
Bowel Obstruction
: In patients with symptoms suggestive of mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction, confirm the absence of such an obstruction prior to initiating therapy with Gutfix.
Pharmacology & 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. By increasing intestinal fluid secretion, Lubiprostone increases motility in the intestine, thereby facilitating the passage of stool and alleviating symptoms associated with constipation. After administration, Lubiprostone and its metabolites are observed only on the apical (luminal) portion of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Additionally, activation of ClC-2 by Lubiprostone recovers mucosal barrier function via restoration of tight junction protein complexes. Lubiprostone relieves symptoms within 24 hours.