The Food and Drug Administration has approved lubiprostone (Amitiza) as the first and only treatment for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) in women older than age 18. The recommended dosage is 8 mcg twice daily, taken with food and water.
   Lubiprostone isn't approved for children or men, and it shouldn't be used in patients with severe diarrhea or known or suspected bowel obstruction. Safety and efficacy aren't known for people with renal or hepatic impairment or for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers. The drug is also approved for treating chronic idiopathic constipation at 24 mcg daily.
   Safety and efficacy of lubiprostone in IBS-C were established in two studies of 1,154 patients, almost all of whom were women. All patients had at least mild abdominal discomfort and at least two of these three problems: fewer than three unaided bowel movements weekly, hard stools, or moderate to severe straining during bowel movements. Patients who took lubiprostone were more likely to have moderate or significant relief over the 12-week study period than patients who took a placebo.
   Common side effects included nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Rare side effects included urinary tract infection, dry mouth, syncope, peripheral edema, dyspnea, and palpitations.
   IBS can cause intestinal cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It affects at least twice as many women as men. In some people, symptoms are severe enough to be disabling.

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