Linaclotide Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Applies to the following strengths: 145 mcg; 290 mcg; 72 mcg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Constipation

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

290 mcg orally once a day

Comments:

Patients should take this drug on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
Capsules should be swallowed whole; patients should avoid breaking apart or chewing the capsules.
Patients with swallowing difficulties may open the capsules and administer orally (in applesauce or water) OR via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (in water).

Use: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation

145 mcg orally once a day

Comments:

Some patients may be given 72 mcg orally once a day based on individual characteristics and tolerability.
Patients should take this drug on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
Capsules should be swallowed whole; patients should avoid breaking apart or chewing the capsules.
Patients with swallowing difficulties may open the capsules and administer orally (in applesauce or water) OR via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (in water).

Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Patients with known/suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction
Pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age

US BOXED WARNINGS:
RISK OF SERIOUS DEHYDRATION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS:

In nonclinical studies in neonatal mice, administration of a single, clinically relevant adult oral dose of this drug caused deaths due to dehydration.
The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age.

Recommendations:

This drug is contraindicated in patients younger than 6 years of age.
Avoid the use of this drug in patients 6 years to less than 18 years of age.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years; this drug is not recommended for use in these patients.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

This drug should be taken 30 minutes prior to a meal.

Storage requirements:

Keep in original bottle to protect from moisture.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

The manufacturer product information should be consulted.

Monitoring:

GASTROINTESTINAL: Unusual/severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea

Patient advice:

Patients should be instructed to seek medical attention for unusual or severe abdominal pain, especially with bright red or black stools.
Advise patients to speak to their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.