Warnings

Lubiprostone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 09, 2025

Warnings

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Lubiprostone can cause new or worsening health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatments for constipation if you are at an increased risk of complications from lubiprostone use. Some of the risks of taking this medicine include:

SEVERE DIARRHEA: Some people can develop severe diarrhea on Amitiza (lubiprostone). Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if you develop severe diarrhea.
FAINTING AND LOW BLOOD PRESSURE: There are postmarketing reports of syncope (fainting) and hypotension (low blood pressure) in patients taking Amitiza (lubiprostone). These adverse reactions can be severe enough to require hospitalization. The risk is higher in people taking 24 mcg twice daily. Fainting and low blood pressure can occur within an hour of taking the first dose and after subsequent doses. Vomiting and diarrhea may be present before developing these adverse reactions. These effects are temporary and usually resolve after lubiprostone is discontinued.
Tell your doctor if you take other medications that can lower blood pressure. Seek immediate medical care if you develop lightheadedness or fainting.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH: During randomized controlled trials, some people with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), opioid-induced constipation (OIC), and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) reported dyspnea or shortness of breath 30-60 minutes after taking the first dose of lubiprostone. Recurrence of dyspnea occurred with subsequent doses in such individuals.
The risk of breathing difficulties is higher in those taking Amitiza (lubiprostone) at a dose of 24 mcg twice daily. The shortness of breath usually resolves within a few hours but may require discontinuation of treatment.
Tell your doctor without delay or seek emergency medical care if you develop chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
BOWEL OBSTRUCTION: People with mechanical GI obstruction (blockage in the gastrointestinal tract) should not take lubiprostone. Tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal obstruction. Your doctor will do tests to rule out GI blockage before prescribing lubiprostone.

Precautions Before Starting Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to lubiprostone, any of the active or inactive ingredients in lubiprostone capsules, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications.

Lubiprostone may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal blockage, liver disease, or severe diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you will need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting lubiprostone. Animal studies suggest a possible risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Talk to your doctor about an effective method of birth control while on this medicine.

Precautions During Use of Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on lubiprostone.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on lubiprostone.

Call your doctor if you are nursing an infant on breast milk and the infant develops diarrhea.

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how lubiprostone works. Possible interactions between lubiprostone and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions. Some of the medications that have known interactions with lubiprostone include:

Methadone

The above list does not include all the potential interactions of lubiprostone. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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