Abstract
Amitiza® is available as an oval, soft gelatin capsule containing 24 μg of lubiprostone dissolved in a medium-chain triglyceride. Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. Although Amitiza® capsules should be swallowed whole and not broken apart or chewed, the capsules have been administered by a simple suspension method to recipients unable to ingest food or drugs orally. The administration of Amitiza® capsule suspension through nasoenteric feeding tubes has not been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated whether the capsules are appropriate for administration through nasogastric tubes. The capsules disintegrated and dispersed after 10 min in 30 mL of hot water at 55°C. The suspension was transferred into a syringe or suspension bottle and passed through nasoenteric feeding tubes (8 Fr) without obstruction. Lubiprostone levels in each sample were determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. More than 93% of the lubiprostone was contained in suspension with flash solution through the feeding tubes administered through both the tubes. In conclusion, this study suggests that Amitiza® capsules can be administered to patients by a simple suspension method through nasoenteric feeding tubes.
