Lubowel 24 Capsule

LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE

Name

Common Name: LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE Brand Name: Lubowel 24 Soft Gelatin Capsule

Composition

LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE contains Lubiprostone 24 mcg as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of drugs known as locally acting chloride channel activators, which increase fluid secretion in the intestines.

Uses

This medicine is primarily prescribed for adults to manage:

• Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), particularly in women aged 18 years and above
• Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adults suffering from chronic non-cancer pain

Dosage and Administration

LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE should be taken orally, usually 24 mcg twice daily, with food to minimize nausea. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. Always follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and duration.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Flatulence and abdominal distension
• Dizziness
• Chest discomfort or shortness of breath

Precautions

• Gastrointestinal Obstruction: LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE should be avoided in patients with suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction.
• Severe Diarrhea: Use with caution in patients with severe diarrhea as it may worsen the condition.
• Liver Disease: Caution is advised for patients with pre-existing liver disease, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor as caution is advised.
• Children: Not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age.
• Alcohol: It is advisable to consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
• May cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and syncope.

Storage

Store LUBOWEL 24 CAPSULE in a cool and dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

What is Lubowel 24 Capsule used for?

Lubowel 24 Capsule is primarily used to treat several types of constipation in adults. These include chronic idiopathic constipation (long-lasting constipation of unknown cause), constipation associated with opioid (painkiller) medications in patients with chronic non-cancer pain, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women aged 18 years and above.

How does Lubowel 24 Capsule work?

Lubowel 24 Capsule contains the active ingredient Lubiprostone, which is a bicyclic fatty acid derived from prostaglandin E1. It works by specifically activating ClC-2 chloride channels located on the apical (luminal) side of the gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the small intestine. This activation leads to an increase in chloride and fluid secretion into the intestinal lumen. The increased fluid softens the stool and enhances intestinal motility, thereby promoting spontaneous bowel movements and alleviating constipation symptoms.

What is the usual dosage for Lubowel 24 Capsule?

For chronic idiopathic constipation or opioid-induced constipation, the typical dosage for adults is 24 micrograms (mcg) taken twice daily with food and water. For irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in women who are at least 18 years old, the usual dosage is 8 mcg taken twice daily with food and water. Your doctor may adjust the dosage, particularly if you experience nausea or other bothersome gastrointestinal side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Lubowel 24 Capsule?

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, discomfort or cramps, flatulence, abdominal distension, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience severe diarrhea or severe nausea, you should contact your physician immediately. Taking the medicine with food can help reduce nausea.

Is Lubowel 24 Capsule safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Lubowel 24 Capsule is categorized as a pregnancy category C drug. It may be unsafe to use during pregnancy, and some sources suggest it can have dangerous side effects. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, you should consult your doctor, who will prescribe it only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding: It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding as it is unknown if it passes into breast milk, and there's a possibility your baby could develop diarrhea. Consult your doctor to understand the potential benefits and risks.

Can Lubowel 24 Capsule be taken with other medications?

It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you are currently taking, as some may interact with Lubowel 24 Capsule. Caution is advised when taking it with diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) as this can increase the risk of dehydration and diarrhea. Combining it with other laxatives may also increase the risk of severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might worsen gastrointestinal irritation. An interaction with methadone has also been noted.

What precautions should be taken while taking Lubowel 24 Capsule?

Lubowel 24 Capsule should not be used if you have a known mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction or severe diarrhea. If you have pre-existing liver problems, caution is advised, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose, especially in mild to moderate cases. It is generally not recommended for severe liver disease. Patients with kidney issues should also consult their doctor as dose adjustment may be necessary. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking this medicine to prevent dehydration, particularly if you experience diarrhea. It is recommended to take the capsule with food to minimize nausea. Since it may cause dizziness, exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Lubowel 24 Capsule is not recommended for children under 18 years of age due to a lack of established safety and effectiveness. While there are no specific food interactions, maintaining a balanced diet is advisable. It is generally advisable to avoid or consult your doctor about consuming alcohol, as it may increase the risk of side effects.

What happens if a dose of Lubowel 24 Capsule is missed?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the chances of developing side effects. Do not change the dose or stop the medication without consulting your doctor.

How should Lubowel 24 Capsule be stored?

Lubowel 24 Capsule should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is generally not more than 25°C.