Linzess

Generic name: Linaclotide
Drug class: Guanylate cyclase-C agonists

Usage of Linzess

Linzess is a prescription medicine used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

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

Linzess contains linaclotide which belongs to the class of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. The guanylate cyclase type-C (GC-C) receptor is located on the luminal surface of the intestine. Linaclotide works to treat IBS-C, CIC, and FC by stimulating the GC-C receptor to increase fluid secretion, which softens stools and stimulates bowel movements.

Linzess side effects

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

Stop using Linzess 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 Linzess side effects 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.

Before taking Linzess

You should not use Linzess:

if you are allergic to linaclotide, or

if you have a blockage in your intestines (bowel obstruction).

It is not known if this medicine is safe and effective in children less than 6 years of age with functional constipation, or in children less than 18 years of age with IBS-C.

Linzess should not be given to a child younger than 2 years of age. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and fatal dehydration in children who are younger than 2 years of age.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Linzess

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.

Warnings

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

Take Linzess in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal. Do not crush, chew, break, or open a capsule. Swallow it whole.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or black, bloody, or tarry stools.

What other drugs will affect Linzess

Other drugs may interact with 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.

Disclaimer

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