[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Laxatives](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/laxatives/) › Lubiprostone

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# Lubiprostone

A prostaglandin-derived drug that opens chloride channels in the gut lining, so fluid enters the bowel and stool passes more easily.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Laxatives](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/laxatives/)
- Ion channel: ClC-2 chloride channel on the apical membrane of intestinal cells
- ATC code: A06AX03

## Mechanism of action

Lubiprostone is a prostanoic acid derivative that acts locally. It activates ClC-2 chloride channels on the luminal membrane of intestinal cells, independent of protein kinase A. Chloride-rich fluid is secreted into the lumen without changing serum sodium or potassium; the extra fluid increases motility and eases the passage of stool. Because it acts on the epithelium, it bypasses the antisecretory effect of opioids on gut nerves.

- Activates ClC-2 chloride channels on the gut lining
- Chloride-rich fluid is secreted into the lumen
- More fluid increases motility and softens stool

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Minimal systemic absorption; acts locally on the intestinal lining

## Indications

- Chronic idiopathic constipation in adults [Constipation and faecal impaction →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/constipation-and-faecal-impaction/)
- Opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women 18 years and older [Irritable bowel syndrome →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Nausea (less with food)
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain, distension and flatulence

### Serious (rare, important)

- Fainting and low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath soon after a dose
- Severe diarrhoea

## Contraindications

- Known or suspected mechanical bowel obstruction

## Key interactions

**Methadone and other diphenylheptane opioids**
May reduce its activation of ClC-2 and its effect in opioid-induced constipation

## What is monitored

- Bowel pattern and diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath
- Periodic review of the need to continue

## Administration and safety

- Capsules are swallowed whole, not opened or chewed.
- Taken with food and water to reduce nausea.

## Nursing care

- Rule out symptoms of bowel obstruction before starting.
- Give with food and water.
- Teach that shortness of breath or chest tightness may occur within an hour of a dose and usually passes, but should be reported.
- Report severe diarrhoea, fainting or lightheadedness.

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Animal data suggest possible fetal harm; it is avoided in pregnancy unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

## Memory aid

LUBIprostone «LUBricates» the gut by opening ClC-2: Chloride Comes 2 the lumen.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which channel does lubiprostone activate?

The ClC-2 chloride channel on the luminal membrane of intestinal cells.

## How can lubiprostone help in opioid-induced constipation?

It acts directly on the epithelium, bypassing the opioid-induced suppression of secretomotor nerves.

## Which opioid may reduce lubiprostone's effect?

Methadone and other diphenylheptane opioids.

## What is the most common adverse effect, and how is it reduced?

Nausea; taking it with food reduces it.

[Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/lubiprostone/)

## Related drugs

- [Linaclotide](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/linaclotide/)
- [Methylnaltrexone](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methylnaltrexone/)
- [Methadone](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/methadone/)

## Related conditions

- [Constipation and faecal impaction](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/constipation-and-faecal-impaction/)
- [Irritable bowel syndrome](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/)

[← Back to the class: Laxatives](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/laxatives/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [DailyMed - LUBIPROSTONE capsule](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=333acede-5075-464f-9418-4b22d43eef3c) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2022); [Lubiprostone: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607034.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2017); Farmacología básica y clínica (Katzung), 16.ª ed., cap. 62 (McGraw Hill, 2025).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lubiprostone/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lubiprostone/