Lubiprostone was effective for male patients suffering from chronic constipation, and hypertension appears to be the protective factor for nausea.

This assessment was carried out for characterizing the clinical backgrounds associated with the safety and efficacy of lubiprostone, an apical type 2 chloride channel activator.

The study included participants with chronic constipation who were prescribed lubiprostone. With the aid of electronic medical records, the safety and efficacy of lubiprostone were retrospectively evaluated. 

Overall, 155 participants (76 males, and mean age 69) were examined. Lubiprostone was noted to be effective in 74 people (47.8%). Discontinuation due to noxious effects occurred in 34 people (21.9%), including abdominal discomfort/pain, diarrhea, and nausea in 3, 12, and 16 people, respectively.

The efficacy was substantially linked with calcium channel blockers, gender, age, antipsychotics, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. In multivariate assessment, the efficacy was considerably linked with men (odds ratio [OR], 3.21) and BMI (OR, 1.14). Nausea occurrence was greater in people under 65 years old, and hypertension was found to be an important protective factor for nausea.

For male patients having chronic constipation, lubiprostone can effectively alleviate the symptoms of chronic constipation.