Barish, C.F., Drossman, D., Johanson, J.F., & Ueno, R. (2010). Efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in patients with chronic constipation. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 55, 1090–1097.
To assess the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in the treatment of patients with chronic constipation.
Patients had a washout period, followed by a two-week prerandomization period. Patients were randomized to receive either oral lubiprostone 24-mcg capsules (n = 119) or placebo (n = 118) twice daily with food and at least 8 oz of water. Patients were instructed to keep daily diaries to record their medication administration, use of medication rescues, and occurrences of bowel movements (BMs) (date and time). Study assessments were scheduled after one week (office visits), two weeks (telephone evaluation), four weeks (end-of-treatment office visit), and two weeks following the end of treatment.
This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.
Lubiprostone was an effective treatment for chronic constipation.
Lubiprostone has been shown to be effective in the management of chronic constipation and is used for patients with chronic constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome. However, additional studies are warranted in patients with cancer, as well as the palliative care population, in which patients are receiving chemotherapy agents, antiemetics, and narcotics that contribute to their constipation.