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Lubiprostone oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

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Doctors prescribe lubiprostone oral capsule for certain types of constipation. You take it by mouth two times per day.
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell, PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on

This article describes lubiprostone oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for lubiprostone. If you want to know more about lubiprostone oral capsule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Lubiprostone oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Amitiza.

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Form and strengths of lubiprostone

Lubiprostone oral capsule comes as follows:

  • Form: oral capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 8 micrograms (mcg) and 24 mcg

Dosage of lubiprostone

This article describes the recommended dosages for lubiprostone oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of lubiprostone oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of lubiprostone in adults

Usually, doctors prescribe a standard starting dose of lubiprostone. Dosages are listed in micrograms (mcg).

ConditionRecommended doseFrequency
chronic idiopathic constipation24 mcgtwo times per day
opioid-induced constipation24 mcgtwo times per day
irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)8 mcgtwo times per day

The maximum dosage of lubiprostone is 24 mcg two times per day.

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Dosage adjustments for lubiprostone

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of lubiprostone oral capsule based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated
  • how well your liver works

Missed dose of lubiprostone

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of lubiprostone oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of lubiprostone oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about lubiprostone oral capsule and its dosage.

How does the dosage of lubiprostone compare with the dosage of Linzess?

The recommended dosage of Linzess is one capsule once per day. You need to take Linzess on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before you eat a meal. In contrast, you take lubiprostone twice per day with food and water. This helps prevent nausea that can happen with lubiprostone.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking lubiprostone. To learn more about how lubiprostone and Linzess compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is lubiprostone taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe lubiprostone oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take lubiprostone oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

How lubiprostone is taken

You’ll swallow lubiprostone oral capsule two times per day. You need to swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, cut, or chew the capsule.

You should take lubiprostone oral capsule with food and water to help prevent nausea.

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Lubiprostone coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for lubiprostone when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

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Overdose of lubiprostone

It’s important that you do not take more lubiprostone oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of lubiprostone overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • chest discomfort
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or fainting
  • dry mouth
  • headache
  • hot flashes or sweating
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea, retching, or vomiting
  • paleness
  • shortness of breath
  • stomach pain or discomfort
  • weakness or lack of energy

What to do if you take too much lubiprostone

If you think you’ve taken too much lubiprostone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for lubiprostone oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of lubiprostone oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take lubiprostone oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Do you need to change my dosage of lubiprostone oral capsule if I’m taking other drugs with it?
  • How does the dosage of lubiprostone oral capsule compare with the dosage of other drugs that could treat my condition?
  • Are the side effects of lubiprostone oral capsule related to the dosage?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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