How long does it take lubiprostone (Amitiza) to work?

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) doesn't work as fast as [some laxatives](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/best-medications-treat-constipation#fastest-laxatives). In studies of people with long-term constipation, some had a bowel movement [within 24 hours](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6d973d7d-a43e-4495-b618-a8ad3142683d&type=display#section-13) of the first dose. Many people had more bowel movements during the first week of treatment and beyond. This timing might be different for other types of constipation that the medication is approved for. Take lubiprostone (Amitiza) every day as prescribed, even if you don't feel better right away. If you don't have more bowel movements after a few weeks, talk to your prescriber.

Can I take lubiprostone (Amitiza) and Dulcolax together?

Yes, it's okay to take [Dulcolax](https://www.goodrx.com/dulcolax/how-long-take-dulcolax-work) with lubiprostone (Amitiza). These medications [work in different ways](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/best-medications-treat-constipation) to help with constipation. They don't affect how well the other works. But before you take both, it's best to ask your prescriber if it's the right option for you.

Can I drink alcohol with lubiprostone (Amitiza)?

There are no known interactions between lubiprostone (Amitiza) and alcohol. Sometimes, [alcohol can make constipation worse](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/best-drinks). This might affect how well lubiprostone (Amitiza) works to treat your constipation constipation. So, it's best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Let your care team know about your drinking habits.

Can lubiprostone (Amitiza) be crushed?

No, don't crush the lubiprostone (Amitiza) capsules. Also don't break or chew them. This can affect how well the medication works to treat your constipation condition. Be sure to swallow the lubiprostone (Amitiza) capsule whole with food and water. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule whole, talk to your prescriber. They can see what options are available for you.

What's the difference between lubiprostone (Amitiza) and Linzess?

[Lubiprostone (Amitiza)](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6d973d7d-a43e-4495-b618-a8ad3142683d) and [Linzess (linaclotide)](https://www.goodrx.com/linzess/what-is) work in different ways to treat long-lasting constipation conditions. But they're each approved for [different types](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/constipation/amitiza-vs-linzess#specific-uses). Also, lubiprostone (Amitiza) is approved only for adults. But Linzess can be used for children of certain ages for some constipation conditions. How often you take them is also different. Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is taken twice a day with food and water. But Linzess is taken once per day on an empty stomach. Talk to a healthcare professional to [compare](https://www.goodrx.com/compare/amitiza-vs-linzess) and see which might be right for you.

lubiprostone

Generic Amitiza

Used for Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is used to treat a few types of constipation in adults. This includes long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. It can also help with constipation from long-term opioid use long term. The medication works as a chloride channel activator to help move stool through your gut. It comes as a capsule that's swallowed whole and the dosage is taken twice per day. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on March 11, 2026

What is Lubiprostone (Amitiza)?

What is Lubiprostone (Amitiza) used for?

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
Constipation from opioids in adults with chronic, non-cancer pain
irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women

How Lubiprostone (Amitiza) works

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is a chloride channel activator. It acts on chloride channels in the gut and helps raise the amount of chloride and fluid in the gut. This helps stool pass more easily.

When does Lubiprostone (Amitiza) start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

Initial effect

DAYS

WEEKS

Full effect

MONTHS

Drug facts

Common Brands	Amitiza
Drug Class	Chloride channel activator
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Amitiza

Drug Class

Chloride channel activator

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

More on Lubiprostone (Amitiza) essentials

A woman holds her stomach in discomfort.
Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images

Linzess vs. Amitiza for Constipation: The 7 Key Differences You Need to Know

Written by Sheila Marie, PharmD

Side effects of Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Nausea (29%)
Diarrhea (12%)
Headache (11%)
Stomach pain (8%)
Stomach bloating (6%)
Feeling gassy (6%)

Less Common Side Effects

Vomiting
Indigestion
Loose stools
Swelling from fluid buildup
Dizziness
Chest discomfort or pain
Trouble breathing
Tiredness
Dry mouth

Note: Side effects were from adults with chronic constipation. Side effects might be different for other types of constipation.

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe diarrhea
Low blood pressure or fainting: dizziness, lightheadedness
Trouble breathing: chest tightness, trouble taking in a breath

When do Lubiprostone (Amitiza) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

MMINUTES

HHOURS

DDAYS

WWEEKS

MMONTHS

Nausea

Diarrhea

Trouble breathing

Low blood pressure or fainting

Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.

Source: DailyMed

The following Lubiprostone (Amitiza) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Diarrhea

full or bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach

nausea

stomach pain

swelling of the abdominal or stomach area

Less common

Black, tarry stools

blood in the stools

chest discomfort or pain

chills

colds

cough

difficult or labored breathing

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

increased sweating

joint pain

loss of appetite

loss of bowel control

muscle aches and pains

runny nose

shivering

sore throat

stomach discomfort

sweating

tightness in the chest

trouble sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Blurred vision

confusion

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

hives or skin rash

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

stomach tenderness

swelling

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Dry heaves

dry mouth

feeling of warmth

lack or loss of strength

paleness of the skin

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

severe, unusual tiredness or weakness

weight loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

passing gas

Less common

Belching

bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

change in taste

cold sweats

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty with moving

discouragement

dizziness

fear or nervousness

feeling sad or empty

frequent urge to urinate

heartburn

increased weight

indigestion

irritability

loss of interest or pleasure

loss of taste

lower back or side pain

muscle cramps

muscle stiffness

stomach upset

swollen joints

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Lubiprostone (Amitiza) side effects

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Pros and cons of Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

Pros

Can help with long-lasting constipation when over-the-counter treatments or remedies haven't worked well
Few interactions with medications (except with methadone)
Okay for people with kidney or liver problems (those with liver problems need their dose adjusted)

Cons

Often causes nausea, diarrhea, and headache
Must swallow capsule whole and taken with food and water
Not approved for children

Pharmacist tips for Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

Take lubiprostone (Amitiza) twice per day. Swallow the capsule whole with food and a full glass of water. Don't break, chew, or open the capsule.
If you were taking other laxatives regularly, ask your prescriber if you should keep taking them when you start lubiprostone (Amitiza). They might want to see how lubiprostone (Amitiza) works on its own first.
Lubiprostone (Amitiza) often causes nausea. Taking the medication with food can help with this side effect. If taking with food doesn't help, talk to your care team for other ways to manage nausea.
Lubiprostone (Amitiza) can cause diarrhea. If this happens, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you have severe diarrhea, tell your care team right away.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. Some medications, like iron supplements and opioids, can make constipation worse. Also, methadone might make lubiprostone (Amitiza) work less well.
To get the most benefit from lubiprostone (Amitiza), take extra steps to help prevent constipation. Drink a lot of fluids during the day and get enough fiber from fruits and vegetables. For some people, avoiding foods that cause gas or contain lactose and gluten can also help.
If you're breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber. There's no data about if it's safe to breastfeed while taking lubiprostone (Amitiza). But it's possible that it can cause diarrhea in your baby. Talk to your prescriber or a lactation specialist about safe feeding options.

Common questions about Amitiza

Amitiza doesn't work as fast as some laxatives. In studies of people with long-term constipation, some had a bowel movement within 24 hours of the first dose. Many people had more bowel movements during the first week of treatment and beyond. This timing might be different for other types of constipation that the medication is approved for. Take Amitiza every day as prescribed, even if you don't feel better right away. If you don't have more bowel movements after a few weeks, talk to your prescriber.

Yes, it's okay to take Dulcolax with Amitiza. These medications work in different ways to help with constipation. They don't affect how well the other works. But before you take both, it's best to ask your prescriber if it's the right option for you.

No, hair loss wasn't a side effect that people had while taking Amitiza during studies. If you notice any hair thinning or hair loss during treatment, tell your care team. They can help you figure out possible causes for your hair loss.

Weight gain isn't a typical side effect of Amitiza. If you notice unusual or unexpected weight gain, talk to your care team. They can help figure out what might be causing this and provide ways to manage your weight if needed.

There are no known interactions between Amitiza and alcohol. Sometimes, alcohol can make constipation worse. This might affect how well Amitiza works to treat your constipation constipation. So, it's best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Let your care team know about your drinking habits.

No, don't crush the Amitiza capsules. Also don't break or chew them. This can affect how well the medication works to treat your constipation condition. Be sure to swallow the Amitiza capsule whole with food and water. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule whole, talk to your prescriber. They can see what options are available for you.

Amitiza and Linzess (linaclotide) work in different ways to treat long-lasting constipation conditions. But they're each approved for different types. Also, Amitiza is approved only for adults. But Linzess can be used for children of certain ages for some constipation conditions. How often you take them is also different. Amitiza is taken twice a day with food and water. But Linzess is taken once per day on an empty stomach. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare and see which might be right for you.

It's not clear if Amitiza is safe during pregnancy. There haven't been enough studies in people who are pregnant to know for sure. If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prescriber. They can talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking Amitiza while pregnant. They might suggest other options that might be safer for you.

Risks and warnings for Lubiprostone (Amitiza)

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Low blood pressure and fainting

Risk factors: Taking 24 mcg of lubiprostone (Amitiza) | Taking other medications that lower blood pressure

Although rare, some people taking lubiprostone (Amitiza) had a sudden drop in blood pressure. This has caused dizziness, fainting, and falls and has sometimes been serious. For some people, it's happened as soon as 1 hour after taking lubiprostone (Amitiza).

Most people who had this side effect were taking 24 mcg twice per day. Some had side effects like vomiting or diarrhea, which both can put you at risk of low blood pressure or fainting. It might also be more likely to happen if you take other medications that lower your blood pressure.

If you feel lightheaded or feel that you're about to pass out, sit or lie down to help with the symptoms. Avoid getting up too quickly. If this happens often after you take lubiprostone (Amitiza), let your care team know.

Trouble breathing

Risk factors: Taking 24 mcg of lubiprostone (Amitiza)

It's rare, but some people taking lubiprostone (Amitiza) have had chest tightness and trouble breathing. It can usually happen within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication and goes away after a few hours. These effects might happen with following doses.

If you feel tightness in your chest or have trouble taking in breaths after taking lubiprostone (Amitiza), talk to your care team. They can see if it's safe for you to keep taking the medication.

Intestinal blockage

People who have or are at risk of a bowel obstruction shouldn't take lubiprostone (Amitiza). A blockage can prevent the medication from reaching your gut, where it's meant to work. Tell your prescriber right away if you have severe stomach cramping or pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or a hard or swollen belly. These can be signs of a bowel obstruction and should get checked out.

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) dosage

The average cost for 60 capsules of 24mcg of Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is $43.44 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 85.96% off the average retail price of $309.39.

Capsule

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
8mcg	60 capsules	$41.39	$0.69
24mcg	60 capsules	$43.44	$0.72

See more Lubiprostone (Amitiza) dosage

Interactions between Lubiprostone (Amitiza) and other drugs

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lubiprostone (Amitiza). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

See more Lubiprostone (Amitiza) interactions

How much does Lubiprostone (Amitiza) cost?

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Amitiza (brand)

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$41.39

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Lubiprostone (Amitiza) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Lubiprostone (Amitiza) will not be safe for you to take.