Generic name: linaclotide [ LIN-a-KLOE-tide ]
Brand name: Linzess
Dosage form: oral capsule (145 mcg; 290 mcg; 72 mcg)
Drug class: Guanylate cyclase-C agonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 23, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is linaclotide?

Linaclotide is used to treat chronic constipation, or chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in people who have had constipation as the main symptom.

Linaclotide is also used to treat functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age.

Linaclotide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Linaclotide side effects

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

Linaclotide may cause serious side effects. Stop using linaclotide and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing diarrhea; or

• diarrhea with dizziness or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out).

Common side effects of linaclotide may include:

• diarrhea;

• stomach pain;

• gas; or

• bloating or full feeling in your stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use linaclotide if you have a blockage in your intestines.

Linaclotide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Linaclotide should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and severe dehydration in a child younger than 2 years old.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use linaclotide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blockage in your intestines (bowel obstruction).

Linaclotide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Linaclotide should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and severe dehydration in a child younger than 2 years old. Do not give linaclotide to any child or teenager without the advice of a doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take linaclotide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take linaclotide in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce or bottled water. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Even if you have taken this medicine with applesauce, wait at least 30 minutes before eating a full meal.

If needed, medicine from the linaclotide capsule may be given through a nasogastric (NG) or gastronomy tube.

Carefully follow instructions for mixing medicine from the capsule with applesauce or water, or giving the medicine through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Linaclotide can be fatal to a child who accidentally swallows this medicine. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

Linaclotide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C):

290 mcg orally once a day

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

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC):

145 mcg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Functional Constipation (FC):

72 mcg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of functional constipation (FC) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age.

Related/similar drugs

dicyclomine, MiraLAX, docusate, bisacodyl, lactulose, Colace, Linzess, senna, hyoscyamine, Xifaxan

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking linaclotide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect linaclotide?

Other drugs may affect linaclotide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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