What is Linzess?
Linzess, a prescription medication, is used to treat adults with irritable intestinal syndrome and constipation.Linzess can also be used to treat functional contipation in children and teenagers aged 6–17 years.Linzess is a drug that contains linaclotide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as guanylate-cyclase C agonists. The guanylate cyclase-C receptor (GC-C), which is located at the luminal surface of the intestine, Linaclotide treats IBS-C (CIC) and FC by increasing fluid secretion through the GCCR. This softens stools, stimulates bowel movement, and increases bowel movement.Linzess can be used to treat some types of constipation. Constipation can be characterised by fewer bowel movements than you expected or stools that are lumpy, hard, or dry.Linzess can be used to treat constipation in adults. IBS-C causes constipation and abdominal symptoms like pain, discomfort, and bloating.Linzess can be used to treat chronic constipation in adults. CIC is chronic constipation with no known cause that occurs repeatedly or for a period of three months or longer.Linzess can also be used to treat functional constipation in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. FC is constipation without a known cause.
Warnings
Linzess should not be used if your intestines are blocked.Linzess should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, and at least 30 minutes prior to your first meal. You should not open, crush, chew, or break a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole.If you experience severe diarrhoea or stomach pain, or if your stools are black, bloody, or tarry, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.
Similar/related drugs
Amitiza, Lubiprostone, Trulance, Liniclotide, Motegrity, Prucalopride, and Ibsrela
Before you take this drug
Linzess is not recommended for use.
- You may be allergic to linaclotide
- If you have a bowel obstruction,
This medicine may not be safe or effective for children younger than six years old with functional constipation. It also might not be effective for children under 18 with IBS-C.Linzess is not recommended for children younger than two years old. Linaclotide may cause serious diarrhoea or even death.Tell your doctor whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take Linzess?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.Please read all instructions provided on your prescription label.Linzess should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to your first meal.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.If you can't swallow the capsule whole, break it open and sprinkle some medicine in a spoonful of applesauce or bottled drinking water. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for later.Eat nothing for at least 30 minutes.Linzess can be administered through a nasogastric tube (NG) if necessary.Follow the instructions carefully when mixing the medicine in the capsule with water or applesauce or when giving it through a tube. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Your symptoms may not improve for up to two weeks. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep the tablets and the moisture-absorbing preservative in the original containers.This medicine should be kept out of the reach of children. Linaclotide is deadly to children who accidentally swallow it. Seek immediate medical attention.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation:
290 mg once daily orally
Use: Treatment for irritable bowel with constipation.
Adult dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
145 mg once daily orally
Use: Treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation
The usual paediatric dose for functional constipation (FC)
Orally, 72 mg once per day
Use: Treat functional constipation in children aged 6–17 years.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effect of Linzess
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
Linzess should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Severe or ongoing diarrhoea;
- You may experience dizziness or feel light-headed (like you could pass out).
Linzess may cause a variety of side effects.
- Diarrhoea;
- Stomach pain;
- Gas
- Bloating or feeling full in the stomach
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with linaclotide. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
