Utility of Lubiprostone for Japanese Children with Functional Constipation

Lubiprostone is considered as a useful laxative for functional constipation in adults. However, although lubiprostone is described in the Guideline of Pediatric Chronic Functional Constipation Treatment (Japanese), it has never been used as a pediatric medicine in Japan because there is no clinical usage experience in children. Here, the current research describes the first pediatric experience of lubiprostone in Japan, with a focus on measures against lubiprostone-induced nausea. Lubiprostone 24-µg capsules, 0.38 to 1.06 µg/kg/time, were used with eight administrations in six patients with intractable functional constipation. All administrations improved defecation, fecal frequency, and the Bristol stool scale score. Complete remission was obtained within four months in five patients (83.3 %). Lubiprostone-induced nausea occurred in two administrations of greater than 0.69 µg/kg/time. However, a dose of 0.90 µg/kg/time with simultaneous administration of trimebutine maleate did not induce nausea in one repeat administration. Lubiprostone is useful for intractable functional constipation in children.