Lubiprostona para el estreñimiento
Amitiza
Revisado por pares por Sid DajaniÚltima actualización por Michael Stewart, MRPharmSÚltima actualización 19 Sept 2023
Cumple con las directrices editoriales
- DescargarDescargar
- Compartir
- Language
- Discusión
- Versión en audio
- Agregar a fuentes preferidas en Google
Clinical author's note Michael Stewart 24/8/2020: Amitiza® capsules were discontinued in the UK in January 2019. At the time of review there are no branded or generic products containing lubiprostone available in the UK. Lubiprostone may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information available in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.
Take one capsule twice daily for at least two weeks.
Take the capsules with food.
The most common side-effects are feeling sick, diarrhoea and headache.
De un vistazo
Lubiprostone is a medicine for constipation.
It is taken as capsules, usually one capsule twice daily after a meal or snack.
It helps by increasing fluid in the bowel, making stools easier to pass.
Common side-effects include feeling sick and diarrhoea.
Inform your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea, chest tightness, or dizziness.
About lubiprostone
Tipo de medicamento | A chloride-channel activator |
Usado para | Estreñimiento |
También llamado | Amitiza® (discontinued) |
Disponible como | Cápsulas |
Estreñimiento en adultos is a common problem. It means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty the bowels, or passing hard or painful stools when you do go. It can be caused by not eating enough fibre or not drinking enough fluids, or a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed). It can also be a side-effect of certain medicines (such as some painkillers), or related to an underlying medical condition. In many cases, the cause is not clear.
Lubiprostone helps to increase secretion of fluid into the bowel. This increases the movement of the bowels, making stools easier to pass. It is helpful for people for whom constipation remains a problem despite recommended changes to lifestyle or diet.
Before taking lubiprostone
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lubiprostone it is important that your doctor knows:
Si estás embarazada o amamantando.
Si estás tan estreñido que crees que puedes tener una obstrucción.
Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado.
Si tienes presión arterial baja (hipotensión).
Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.
Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.
How to take lubiprostone
Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about lubiprostone and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take lubiprostone exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one capsule twice daily. A course of treatment lasts for two to four weeks. Swallow the capsule with a drink of water after a meal, or with a snack. The ideal times to take the capsules are after breakfast and after supper.
If you forget to take a dose, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento
Remember to keep any regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
If you have been taking lubiprostone for two weeks and have not noticed any improvement in your symptoms, let your doctor know.
Una dieta saludable que contenga fibra (panes y cereales integrales, salvado, frutas y verduras de hoja verde) con varios vasos de agua al día y ejercicio diario son importantes para mantener una función intestinal saludable.
Can lubiprostone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with lubiprostone. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Very common lubiprostone side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 people) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Sentirse mal (náuseas) | Make sure you take the capsules during a meal |
Common lubiprostone side-effects (estos afectan a menos de 1 de cada 10 personas) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Diarrea | Drink plenty of water. If the diarrhoea is severe, let your doctor know |
Dolor de cabeza | Bebe mucha agua y pide a tu farmacéutico que te recomiende un analgésico adecuado. Si los dolores de cabeza continúan, informa a tu médico |
Chest tightness, feeling short of breath | Let your doctor know about this so that your treatment can be reviewed |
Sensación de mareo | No conduzca ni utilice herramientas o máquinas mientras se sienta mareado |
Increased sweating, feeling flushed, swollen feet or ankles, stomach upset | Si es problemático, hable con su médico |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the capsules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
How to store lubiprostone
Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. The capsules can absorb moisture from the air so it is important to keep them in their original container to keep them dry. Do not keep the capsules for longer than four weeks after the container is first opened.
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.
Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.
Si vas a someterte a una operación o tratamiento dental, informa a la persona que realiza el tratamiento sobre los medicamentos que estás tomando.
Si compras algún medicamento, siempre consulta con un farmacéutico para asegurarte de que sean adecuados para tomar junto con tus otros medicamentos.
No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.
Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.
Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna
Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Sitio web de Yellow Card.

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?
Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is constipation and what causes it?
Constipation means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty the bowels, or passing hard or painful stools. It can be caused by various factors, including not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, a lack of exercise, being ill in bed, or as a side-effect of certain medicines like some painkillers. Sometimes, it can be linked to an underlying medical condition, or the cause may not be clear.
How does lubiprostone help with constipation?
Lubiprostone works by increasing the secretion of fluid into your bowel. This added fluid helps to increase the movement of your bowels, making stools easier to pass. It is typically prescribed for individuals whose constipation has not improved despite making recommended changes to their lifestyle or diet.
What should I do if I am pregnant or breastfeeding and considering lubiprostone?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to inform your doctor before you start taking lubiprostone. They will need to consider your circumstances to determine if this medicine is suitable for you.
Can I take lubiprostone if I have a liver problem or low blood pressure?
You should tell your doctor if you have any problems with how your liver works or if you have low blood pressure (hypotension) before starting lubiprostone. This information is important for your doctor to assess if the medicine is appropriate and safe for you.
How long does a course of lubiprostone treatment usually last?
A typical course of treatment with lubiprostone usually lasts for two to four weeks. Your doctor will advise you on the specific duration for your individual needs.
What are the common side effects of lubiprostone and what can I do about them?
Very common side effects include feeling sick (nausea), which can often be managed by ensuring you take the capsules during a meal. Common side effects include diarrhoea, for which drinking plenty of water is advised, and headaches, which may benefit from drinking water and a suitable painkiller. If any side effects continue, become severe, or include chest tightness or shortness of breath, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How should I store lubiprostone capsules?
Lubiprostone capsules should be stored in their original container in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. It's important to keep them in their original container because they can absorb moisture from the air. Once the container is opened, do not keep the capsules for longer than four weeks.
Lecturas adicionales y referencias
- Medicamentos Completos BNF 89ª Edición; Asociación Médica Británica y Sociedad Real de Farmacia de Gran Bretaña, Londres.
Sobre el autorVer biografía completa

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Gerente de Revisión de Folletos de Medicamentos – Contratista, Farmacéutico
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael es un farmacéutico comunitario que ejerce en Midlands y South Yorkshire con más de 20 años de experiencia asesorando sobre medicamentos y condiciones médicas. Tiene una sólida formación en capacitación en atención médica, habiendo producido e impartido cursos de formación para equipos de farmacia y personal de entornos de atención residencial, incluidas enfermeras. También ha contribuido a juntas asesoras de farmacia para la gestión de condiciones de baja gravedad en la comunidad.
Acerca del revisor

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani se graduó en la Escuela de Farmacia de Londres en 1994 y se convirtió en el miembro más joven elegido para el consejo de la Sociedad Real de Farmacia desde su fundación en 1842.
Historial del artículo
La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
Artículo también disponible en Inglés, Alemán, Español, Francés, Italiano, Portugués, Hindi, Hebreo, Árabe, y Sueco.
Próxima revisión: 18 de septiembre de 2026
19 Sept 2023 | Última versión

Pregunta, comparte, conecta.
Navega por discusiones, haz preguntas y comparte experiencias en cientos de temas de salud.
Suscríbete al boletín de Patient
Tu dosis semanal de consejos de salud claros y confiables, escritos para ayudarte a sentirte informado, seguro y en control.
Al suscribirte aceptas nuestros Política de Privacidad. Puedes darte de baja en cualquier momento. Nunca vendemos tus datos.
Más sobre tratamiento gastrointestinal
- Hidróxido de aluminio
- Balsalazida
- Bisacodilo
- Cimetidina para reducir el ácido estomacal
- Diciclomina
- Docusato de sodio
- Lactulosa para el estreñimiento
- Lansoprazol para reducir el ácido estomacal
- Loperamida para la diarrea
- Macrogoles para el estreñimiento o la limpieza intestinal
- Mebeverina
- Tabletas de metilcelulosa
- Omeprazol para reducir el ácido estomacal
- Pancreatina
- Pantoprazol para reducir el ácido estomacal
- Ranitidina para reducir el ácido estomacal
- Rifaximina para la diarrea del viajero
- Inyecciones de semaglutida para la pérdida de peso
- Picosulfato de sodio
- Ursodiol