Efficacy and safety of lubiprostone for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation: A phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Introduction

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) negatively impacts quality of life and increases healthcare costs. Lubiprostone stimulates the secretion of intestinal fluid, in turn facilitating the passage of stools and alleviating associated symptoms. Lubiprostone has been available in Mexico since 2018, but its clinical efficacy has not been studied in a Mexican population.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of lubiprostone, assessed by changes in spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency after one week of treatment with 24 μg oral lubiprostone (b.i.d.), as well as its safety, over four weeks of treatment.

Study

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 211 adults with CIC in Mexico.

Results

The increase in SBM frequency, after one week of treatment, was significantly higher in the lubiprostone group than in the placebo group (mean: 4.9 [SD: 4.45] vs. 3.0 [3.14], p = 0.020). Secondary efficacy endpoints revealed a significantly higher proportion of SBM frequency/week in the lubiprostone group at weeks 2, 3, and 4. There was a better response within 24 h after the first dose with lubiprostone vs. placebo (60.0% vs. 41.5%; OR: 2.08, CI95%: [1.19, 3.62], p = 0.009) and the lubiprostone group also had significant improvement, with respect to straining, stool consistency, abdominal bloating, and Satisfaction Index. The main adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders in 13 (12.4%) lubiprostone-treated subjects and 4 (3.8%) control subjects.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone for the treatment of CIC in a Mexican population. Lubiprostone treatment induces relief from the most bothersome symptoms associated with constipation.