Rao SSC, Lichtlen P, Habibi S., et al. - Utilizing pooled data from chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC) patients, researchers conducted this study for analyzing the short-term and long-term effects of lubiprostone (a type-2 chloride channel activator) on electrolyte, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels. Data from 10 CIC and OIC studies (6 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies and 4 long-term open-label studies) were pooled. Analyses of shifts in laboratory values (low/normal/high) at baseline and final assessment exhibited minimal effects on electrolytes, BUN, and creatinine in 3,209 patients that were evaluated. In either the short-term or long-term treatment of CIC or OIC, lubiprostone did not cause clinically relevant electrolyte imbalances or alter renal function markers.