Lotronex: what it is, what it is for and how to take it!

Lotronex is used against intestinal problems because it blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines . This slows down the movement of stool (gut) through the intestines .

In addition, it is used to treat severe chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have had diarrhea  as the main symptom for at least 6 months. This medication  should only be used by women who have tried other IBS treatments without success.

This medication  has not been shown to be effective in men with IBS. Lotronex is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. After you stop taking this medicine , your symptoms may return within 1 week.

Important information about lotronex:

This medication  should only be used by women with  severe irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea  as the main symptom. Serious or fatal side effects to the stomach  and intestines  have occurred in some people taking this medication . Also, in rare cases lotronex has caused severe constipation  or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines ).

Stop taking this medication  and call your doctor right away if you have: new or worsening constipation, stomach pain , bright  red or dark blood in your stool, or   bloody diarrhea . It may be necessary to permanently discontinue this medicine  if you experience these side effects.

Do not start taking it  if you are constipated. You should also not take this medicine  if you take another medicine  called fluvoxamine (Luvox). If you stop taking this medicine  for any reason, do not take it again without your doctor’s advice.

How to take lotronex?

Take lotronex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use this medication  in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Read all patient information, medication guides and instruction sheets provided to you. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Lotronex Dosage:

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel  Syndrome:

• Initial: 0.5 mg orally twice daily –
• Maintenance: 0.5 mg orally once or twice daily; may be increased to 1 mg orally twice daily after 4 weeks of treatment.

NOTE:  Due to the serious GI adverse reactions associated with this drug, treatment should be restricted to female patients for whom the benefit-risk balance is most favourable.

Use: For women with severe diarrhea  -predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have chronic symptoms of IBS (usually lasting 6 months or longer), anatomical or biochemical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract have been excluded and have not responded adequately to therapy conventional.

What other drugs will affect lotronex?

Many drugs can interact with ol otronex  and some drugs  should not be used together. This includes prescription  and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal products.

Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you use and those you start or stop using during treatment. Give a list of all your medications to any healthcare provider who treats you.

What happens if I miss a lotronex dose?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What should I avoid taking lotronex?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, drink, or activity.

Lotronex side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to lotronex : hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Serious or fatal side effects to the stomach and intestines have occurred in some people taking lotronex . Also, in rare cases, this medication  has caused severe constipation  or ischemic colitis (caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines ).

Stop taking lotronex and call your doctor right away if you develop:

• New or worsening constipation;
• stomach pain ;
• bright or dark red blood  in the stool;
•  bloody diarrhea .

You may need to permanently discontinue lotronex if you experience these side effects. Therefore, older adults and those who are sick or debilitated may be more likely to experience serious complications from constipation . More common side effects of this medication  can include:

• Constipation ;
• Nausea; or
• Pain or discomfort in the stomach  or intestines .

What other drugs will affect lotronex?

Many drugs  can interact with lotronex and some drugs  should not be used together. This includes prescription  and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all the medicines  you use and those you start or stop using during lotronex treatment . Give a list of all your medications  to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Other Lotronex Information:

Remember to keep this and all other medicines  out of the reach of children, never share your medicines  with others and use Lotronex  only for the indication prescribed. Also, always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.