Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
03:50
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
Lubiprostone: a novel treatment for chronic constipation
Brian E Lacy1, L Campbell Levy
1Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. brian.lacy@hitchcock.org
Clinical Interventions in Aging
|August 9, 2008
Summary
Lubiprostone, a novel prescription medication, offers a new treatment option for chronic constipation. It works by activating chloride channels to improve intestinal fluid secretion and transit, thereby relieving constipation symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic constipation is a prevalent condition significantly impacting patient quality of life and healthcare costs.
- While lifestyle changes and over-the-counter options help some, many patients require prescription treatments for persistent symptoms.
- Three FDA-approved prescription medications are available for adult chronic constipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lubiprostone, the newest FDA-approved medication for chronic constipation.
- To provide an overview of chloride channel function in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To detail the structure, function, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of lubiprostone.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on lubiprostone and gastrointestinal chloride channels.
- Analysis of lubiprostone's mechanism of action as a prostaglandin E1 analogue.
- Discussion of clinical trial data regarding lubiprostone's safety and efficacy.
Main Results:
- Lubiprostone activates specific gastrointestinal chloride channels.
- This activation stimulates intestinal fluid secretion and enhances gastrointestinal transit.
- Lubiprostone has demonstrated safety and efficacy in improving chronic constipation symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Lubiprostone represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological treatment of chronic constipation.
- Understanding chloride channel activation is key to lubiprostone's therapeutic effect.
- This review provides comprehensive information on lubiprostone for clinicians and researchers.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...