AMITIZA FOR IBS CONSTIPATION TRIAL

This diagnostic procedure allows your doctor to examine the entire colon with a flexible, camera-equipped tube. Examination of the rectum and entire colon (colonoscopy).In this procedure, your doctor inserts a lighted, flexible tube into your anus to examine your rectum and the lower portion of your colon. Examination of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon (sigmoidoscopy).An X-ray can help your doctor determine whether our intestines are blocked and whether there is stool present throughout the colon. Your doctor will look for a systemic condition such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high calcium levels. The most common side effects are diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal distension and upper respiratory tract infections.In addition to a general physical exam and a digital rectal exam, doctors use the following tests and procedures to diagnose chronic constipation and try to find the cause: In terms of side effects, all the medications are fairly well tolerated. They all have showed positive results in studies and you should speak with your doctor regarding the best possible option for you. This is pretty much in line with the results of the other two drugs.Īs we mentioned at the beginning of the article, there have been no head to head studies regarding the comparative efficacy of all of these medications. Two studies showed that over a 4 week period, spontaneous bowel movements increased on average of about 2 per week. Take one capsule by mouth twice daily with food. Activating these channels produces a chloride-rich intestinal fluid secretion, which softens the stool, increases motility in the intestine and promotes spontaneous bowel movements. It works by activating what is known as ClC-2 chloride channels.

How It Works: While Amitiza increases intestinal fluid secretions similar to Trulance and Linzess, it has a unique mechanism of action. In addition, improvements were observed in stool frequency, and/or stool consistency, and/or in the amount of straining with bowel movements. On average, complete spontaneous bowel movements were increased by 1.1 per week versus placebo. These improvement were seen as early as week 1 with improvement maintained through week 12. Two studies showed patient improvements in the frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week. One tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food. This stimulates secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestine, which results in increased intestinal fluid and accelerated gastrointestinal (GI) transit.

AMITIZA FOR IBS CONSTIPATION TRIAL

What we can do however, is to dig into the clinical trial data published for each drug and see how effective they are. Trulance (Plecanatide) Since the medications are so new, there have not been any studies comparing one to the others so it's too soon to say if one is superior than the rest. Amitiza is a unique medication and does not belong in any other drug class. Trulance & Linzess are in the same drug class and have the same mechanism of action. They are all indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation and work by increasing fluid secretion in the intestine to help speed up GI transit time. Three of the newer drugs on the market are Trulance, Linzess & Amitiza. If the therapies above aren't successful, it may be time to talk with your doctor regarding prescription medication. Adding a stimulant laxative such as senna or bisacodyl for fast relief can help as well. If lifestyle changes aren't successful, OTC medications are recommend including osmotic laxative such as PEG 3350 (Miralax, etc) or a saline laxative such as magnesium hydroxide. Physical activity has also been shown to relieve constipation due to increases in metabolism. In terms of initial treatment for adults, it is first suggested to consume an adequate amount of fluids and fiber. opioids, iron, calcium etc.)? It is important to try and discern the root cause for treatment to be successful. Is it your diet? Current medications (e.g. The key, of course, is to try and pin down what exactlyis causing the constipation in the first place. The most important point to know before reading this article is that prescription medication should NOT be considered a first line option for constipation. In this article, we will discuss 3 of the newer drugs released: Trulance (Plecanatide), Linzess (Linaclotide) & Amitiza (Lubiprostone). Luckily, there have been new drugs released in the past few years that may be a good option for the right patient. There are a number of lifestyle changes as well over the counter remedies that can help, but many times, a stronger and more effective medication is necessary for relief. Chronic constipation is very often difficult to treat successfully.

Amitiza for ibs constipation