Uses
Eluxadoline is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D; a condition that causes stomach pain, cramping, or loose or watery stools) in adults. Eluxadoline is in a class of medications called mu-opioid receptor agonists. It works by decreasing bowel activity.
Side Effects Of Eluxadoline
Eluxadoline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking eluxadoline and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- pain that begins in the upper stomach area but may spread to the back or shoulder with or without nausea and vomiting
- severe constipation
- rash; hives; swollen face or throat; shortness of breath; throat tightness; chest pain or tightness; or difficulty swallowing or breathing
Eluxadoline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking eluxadoline:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to eluxadoline, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in eluxadoline tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: alfentanil (Alfenta); alosetron (Lotronex); antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and clarithromycin (Biaxin, in Prevpac); anticholinergic medications such as benztropine (Cogentin), dicyclomine (Bentyl), diphenhydramine (Benadryl); bupropion (Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin, Zyban, others); eltrombopag (Promacta); ergot-type medications such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal) and ergotamine tartrate (Ergomar, in Cafergot, in Migergot); fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Duragesic, Sublimaze, others); fluconazole (Diflucan); gemfibrozil (Lopid); medications for HIV such as atazanavir (Reyataz, in Evotaz), lopinavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra, in Viekira Pak), saquinavir (Invirase), and tipranavir (Aptivus); medications that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Astagraf, Envarsus XR, Prograf); opiate (narcotic) medications for pain; paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva); pimozide (Orap); quinidine (in Nuedexta); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater); and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- you should know that you may take loperamide (Imodium AD) occasionally to treat severe diarrhea while taking eluxadoline. Stop taking loperamide immediately if you become constipated.
- tell your doctor if you have constipation now or if you often have constipation, if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol (more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day), or if you do not have a gallbladder. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had bile duct obstruction (blockage in the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (blockage of bile or digestive juices flowing into the intestine that causes pain or jaundice), blockage in your intestines, pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas that does not go away), or liver disease. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take eluxadoline.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking eluxadoline, call your doctor.
- you should know that eluxadoline may make you drowsy, especially if you have liver disease. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- tell your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol or sometimes drink large amounts of alcohol in a short time. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking eluxadoline. Drinking alcohol may increase the risk that you will develop pancreatitis.
Eluxadoline Dosage
Eluxadoline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice daily. Take eluxadoline at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take eluxadoline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Eluxadoline may be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Eluxadoline is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
