[2][3][4] It was recommended for use in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in July 2014.

The most commonly reported TEAEs in the lubiprostone treatment groups were nausea (13.4%–18.1%), diarrhea (1.2%–13.9%), and abdominal pain (4.7%–5.6%).

[13] The effects on pregnancy have not been studied in humans, but testing in guinea pigs resulted in fetal loss.

[medical citation needed] Lubiprostone is a bicyclic fatty acid[15] derived from prostaglandin E1 that acts by specifically activating ClC-2 chloride channels on the apical aspect of gastrointestinal epithelial cells, producing a chloride-rich fluid secretion.

Unlike many laxative products, lubiprostone does not show signs of drug tolerance, chemical dependency, or altered serum electrolyte concentration.

[medical citation needed] The measurable metabolite, M3, exists in very low levels in plasma and makes up less than 10% of the total administered dose.