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- What is linaclotide (Linzess), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for linaclotide (Linzess)?
- Is linaclotide (Linzess) available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for linaclotide (Linzess)?
- What are the side effects of linaclotide (Linzess)?
- What is the dosage for linaclotide (Linzess)?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with linaclotide (Linzess)?
- Is linaclotide (Linzess) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about linaclotide (Linzess)?
What is linaclotide (Linzess), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Linaclotide is an oral medication for the treatment of constipation. It is the first in a new class of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It is used for relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation and for treating chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Linaclotide works locally in the intestine (it is not absorbed into the body) to increase bowel movements and reduce pain. Linaclotide's effects are due to an increase in the production of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate which increases fluid secretion into the intestine and reduces the sensitivity of pain-sensing nerves. The FDA approved linaclotide in August 2012.
What are the side effects of linaclotide (Linzess)?
The most common side effects of linaclotide are:
- diarrhea,
- stomach pain,
- gas, and
- stomach distention.
Linaclotide should be stopped if patients develop severe diarrhea. Other important side effects include:
Rarely, patients may experience passage of blood from the rectum.
Quick GuideIBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment
What is the dosage for linaclotide (Linzess)?
The dose for treating IBS with constipation is 290 mcg once daily, and the dose for treating chronic idiopathic constipation is 145 mcg once daily. Linaclotide should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Which drugs or supplements interact with linaclotide (Linzess)?
Drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Is linaclotide (Linzess) safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Linaclotide has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.
It is not known whether linaclotide is excreted in human milk. It is unlikely that linaclotide is excreted in breast milk because it is poorly absorbed and therefore undetectable in blood at recommended doses.
What else should I know about linaclotide (Linzess)?
What preparations of linaclotide (Linzess) are available?
Capsules: 145 and 290 mcg
How should I keep linaclotide (Linzess) stored?
Linaclotide should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). It should be kept in the original container and protected from moisture. The dessicant (drying agent) should not be removed from the container.
Summary
Linaclotide (Linzess) is a guanylate cyclase-C agnoist drug prescribed for the relief of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and for the treatment of chronic constipation of unknown cause. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
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Top linaclotide (Linzess) Related Articles
Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including:- Medications
- Poor bowel habits
- Low fiber diets
- Abuse of laxatives
- Hormonal disorders and
- Diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon
IBS Slideshow
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? Learn about symptoms, causes, and foods that trigger IBS. Get lifestyle tips for managing IBS through diet and with IBS medications.IBS-D Irrititable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea
IBS-D or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea refers to IBS with diarrhea. Symptoms of IBS-D include
- intestinal gas (flatulence),
- loose stools,
- frequent stools,
- abdominal pain,
- diarrhea, and
- nausea.
New non-FDA approved IBS tests may help diagnose IBS and IBS-D. Treatment of IBS-D is geared to toward managing symptoms with diet, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI (gastrointestinal) disorder with signs and symptoms of:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Increased gas (flatulence)
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Food intolerance
Two new tests are now available that may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Treatment for IBS includes diet changes, medications, and other lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Triggers, Prevention
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disease that can affect the quality of those who suffer from this condition. People with IBS can make lifestyle changes that may modify or control the number and severity of episodes. Certain foods, medications, and hormone levels may trigger IBS episodes, for example:
- Fatty foods
- Dairy products
- Eating foods in large quantities
- Foods that contain high levels of sorbitol
- Foods that produce intestinal gas (broccoli, onions, cabbage, and beans)
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Physiological stress
- Some antibiotics
- Some antidepressants
- Medicine with sorbitol
- Menstrual pain
Exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes can decrease IBS flares, and prevent the number and severity of IBS episodes of diarrhea and constipation.
