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Lubiprostone: trials and tribulations

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 6, pages 259–260 (2009)Cite this article

The selective, chloride channel 2 activator, lubiprostone, facilitates intestinal-fluid secretion and stimulates gastrointestinal motility. These effects increase stool frequency and improve abdominal discomfort for patients with constipation-predominant IBS, which makes lubiprostone the newest addition to the treatment armamentarium for these patients. Findings from a new, pivotal, phase III study by Drossman and colleagues support the use of lubiprostone in such patients.

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Figure 1: Principal chloride channels in the gastrointestinal tract.

References

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Author notes

  1. M. D. Crowell, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 13,400 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA crowell.michael@mayo.edu

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

    Michael D. Crowell

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  1. Michael D. Crowell
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Crowell, M. Lubiprostone: trials and tribulations. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 6, 259–260 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2009.62

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