Family

Question 1

Lubiprostone (AMITIZA)

Answer 1

Pharmacologic agent that selectively activates intestinal chloride channels and increases fluid secretion is FDA approved for IBS in women with constipation, but has a side effect of nausea in significant percentage of patients.

Question 2

Criteria for IBS

Answer 2

Rome criteria
Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort at least 3 d/mo for the past 3 months, associated with two or more of the following:
Improvement with defecation
Onset associated with a change in the frequency of stool
Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool
Criteria must have been fulfilled for the past 3 months, with symptoms onset at least 6 months before diagnosis. On the basis of the predominant bowel habit, IBS has been categorized into one of the following subgroups:
IBS with diarrhea (more common in men)
IBS with constipation (more common in women)
IBS with mixed bowel habits
Each group accounts for about one-third of all patients.