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Eluxadoline (Viberzi) for IBS-D: Uses, Dosage, Side effects

Eluxadoline

Drug Name: Eluxadoline

Brand Name: Viberzi

Primary Indications: IBS-D

VIBERZI is a type of medication that is used to treat a specific form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known as IBS-D [Ref]

It is prescribed to adults who are experiencing stomach discomfort and diarrhea at the same time.

The active ingredient in VIBERZI is eluxadoline, which works by reducing the movement of the intestines. This, in turn, reduces the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.


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Uses of Viberzi (Eluxadoline):

This medicine, Viberzi, is used to treat a stomach condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D).

IBS-D is a disorder that causes frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and discomfort. Viberzi works by reducing the movement of your intestines.

It helps to slow down the passage of food through your gut, reducing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements.

This can help to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that are common with IBS-D.

By decreasing the motility of your intestines, Viberzi can also help to regulate the speed at which food moves through your digestive system, which can improve your digestion and overall gut health.

It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor when taking Viberzi to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

Instructions to use Viberzi:

Read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before starting treatment each time you refill your prescription.

Take this medication by mouth with meals twice a day as directed by your doctor.

Viberzi Dosage:

  • Typical Dosage:
    • 100 mg orally twice a day
  • Reduced Dosage:
    • 75 mg orally twice a day (for those who cannot tolerate the standard dose)
  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
  • Use this medication only as directed by your doctor. Do not increase the dosage, frequency, or duration of use without consulting your doctor.
  • To get the best results, take this medication regularly. Take it at the same time every day to ensure you don’t forget to take it.
  • If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, taking this medication could increase your risk of addiction. Take this medication exactly as directed to reduce the risk of addiction.
  • If your condition does not improve or worsens, inform your doctor.

Here’s a table summarizing the directions to use Viberzi:

Step

Directions

1Read the medication guide provided by the pharmacist before starting treatment
2Take medication by mouth twice a day with meals
Typical Dosage: 100 mg orally twice a day
Reduced Dosage: 75 mg orally twice a day (for those who cannot tolerate it)
3Inform the doctor and pharmacist of all medications being taken
4Use medication only as directed by the doctor, do not increase the dosage
5Take medication regularly at the same time every day
6If history of substance abuse, take medication as directed to reduce the risk
7Inform the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens

 

Eluxadoline cautions, alerts, and contraindications:

Viberzi is not safe for use if you have certain conditions:

  • Blockage in your intestines or severe constipation
  • Previous history of gallbladder removal, obstruction, or issues with the sphincter of Oddi
  • Serious liver or pancreatic conditions
  • Regular consumption of more than three alcoholic drinks per day

You should tell your doctor if you have:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease or are on dialysis
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • It is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 to use Viberzi. Always inform your doctor of your medical history before taking any medication.

Dosing information of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

Dosage:

  • The typical dose is 100 mg of Viberzi, taken orally twice a day with a meal.
  • If you can’t tolerate the standard dose, your doctor may lower it to 75 mg orally twice a day.
  • Take 1 tablet of Viberzi twice daily with meals, as directed by your doctor.

Tips:

  • Take Viberzi exactly as your doctor tells you to, to get the full benefits of the medication.
  • Keep taking Viberzi for as long as your doctor tells you to, to maintain its effects.
  • If you stop taking Viberzi without your doctor’s approval, your IBS-D symptoms may come back.
  • If you experience severe constipation, stop taking Viberzi immediately.

Here’s a table that summarizes the dosing information for Viberzi:

DosageTypical DoseAlternate Dose
Amount100 mg orally twice a day with a meal75 mg orally twice a day
FrequencyTwice a dayTwice a day
AdministrationTake 1 tablet of Viberzi with mealsTake 1 tablet of Viberzi with meals

 

Side effects of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

If you experience any of these then get immediate help

  • Hives
  • Swelling of your face, tongue, neck
  • Difficulty breathing

In case you develop any of the following conditions, quit taking this drug.

  • new or deteriorating stomach ache (may be severe)
  • vomiting and nausea
  • severe constipation that lasts more than four days
  • extreme discomfort in your upper stomach that spreads to your back

Table summarizing the side effects of Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

Body SystemPotential Side Effects of Eluxadoline
Gastrointestinalnausea, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, pancreatitis
Nervous Systemheadache, dizziness, fatigue, somnolence
Musculoskeletalmuscle spasms
Cardiovascularchest pain
Respiratorydifficulty breathing
Dermatologicitching, rash

Mechanism of action of Eluxadoline:

Eluxadoline (Viberzi) has three important characteristics:

  • It activates the mu-opioid receptor and kappa opioid receptor and
  • blocks the delta-opioid receptor.

Viberzi is used to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who have diarrhea.

It works by reducing the movement of the intestines and stopping stress from making things worse.

Unlike other medications that can cause constipation, Viberzi reduces this problem by blocking the delta-opioid receptor.

Viberzi is a good choice for people with IBS because it doesn’t cause as many side effects as other drugs, because it mostly stays in the intestines and doesn’t spread throughout the body.

Is Viberzi (Eluxadoline) a narcotic drug?

Although Viberzi can attach to the same receptors as opioid drugs, it is not classified as a narcotic drug.

Viberzi primarily works in the intestines and does not cause any side effects or behavioral changes that opioid drugs typically cause.

In other words, it has a targeted effect in the gut and does not produce the same potentially addictive or harmful effects as traditional opioid drugs.

Viberzi and False-Positive Drug Testing:

Viberzi (eluxadoline) is not known to cause a positive drug test for commonly tested substances such as opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana.

However, some drug tests may be sensitive enough to detect the presence of eluxadoline or its metabolites, which could potentially result in a false positive test.

Comparison of other IBS Drugs Vs Eluxadoline (Viberzi):

Medication

Pros

Cons

Viberzi
  • Reduces Intestinal motility:
  • Can alleviate symptoms of IBS-D such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort
  • Can be taken daily for long-term management
  • Can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
  • Contraindicated in patients with certain conditions such as intestinal blockage or severe constipation
  • May lead to addiction or abuse
  • Can interact with certain medications
Imodium
  • Reduces diarrhea
  • Easy to find over the counter
  • Can be taken as needed
  • Does not treat the underlying cause of diarrhea
  • May cause constipation, bloating, and stomach cramps
  • Should not be used in patients with certain conditions such as colitis
  • Can interact with certain medications
Xifaxan
  • Antibiotic that targets bacterial overgrowth in the gut, which can cause IBS-D symptoms
  • Can be taken for a short course of treatment
  • May cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
  • Can be expensive
  • Should not be used in patients with certain conditions such as liver disease
  • Can interact with certain medications
Bentyl
  • Antispasmodic medication that can reduce abdominal cramping and pain
  • Can be taken as needed
  • May cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision
  • Should not be used in patients with certain conditions such as glaucoma
  • Can interact with certain medications
Alosetron
  • Can alleviate IBS-D symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urgency
  • Can be taken daily for long-term management
  • Restricted distribution program due to serious side effects such as constipation, bowel obstruction, and ischemic colitis
  • Should only be used in women with severe IBS-D who have not responded to other treatments
  • Can interact with certain medications
Truberzi
  • Can alleviate IBS-D symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort
  • Does not cross the blood-brain barrier, reducing the risk of side effects such as constipation
  • Can be taken daily for long-term management
  • May cause side effects such as headache, upper respiratory infection, and abdominal pain
  • Should not be used in patients with certain conditions such as intestinal obstruction
  • Can interact with certain medications
Linzess
  • Can alleviate IBS-C and IBS-D symptoms such as constipation and abdominal pain
  • Can be taken daily for long-term management
  • May cause side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
  • Should not be used in patients with certain conditions such as intestinal obstruction
  • Can interact with certain medications

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Written by Dr. Ahmed

I am Dr. Ahmed (MBBS; FCPS Medicine), an Internist and a practicing physician. I am in the medical field for over fifteen years working in one of the busiest hospitals and writing medical posts for over 5 years.

I love my family, my profession, my blog, nature, hiking, and simple life. Read more about me, my family, and my qualifications

Here is a link to My Facebook Page. You can also contact me by email at contact@dibesity.com or at My Twitter Account
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