Baker, D.E. (2007). Lubiprostone: A new drug for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation. Reviews in Gastroenterological Disorders, 7, 214–222.
In phase III, placebo-controlled studies, lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily was compared to placebo. Studies 1, 2, and 3 comprised a two-week drug-free period followed by treatment with lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily for four weeks, followed by randomization to continue lubiprostone or placebo.
Open-label studies used lubiprostone 24 mcg twice daily. Three studies of long-term clinical safety assessed lubiprostone administered for 12 months in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.
Phase III Studies
Open-Label Studies
Study 1 and 2
Study 3
Open-Label Studies
Placebo-controlled RCTs demonstrated lubiprostone was well tolerated and not associated with severe adverse effects. However, incidence of nausea was higher. Comparative studies with other therapies are needed.