Linaclotide Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Linaclotide Capsule, known generically as Linaclotide, is a prescription medicine belonging to the Guanylate Cyclase-C Agonist class. It is used to treat certain types of constipation in adults, including some caused by irritable bowel syndrome, and works inside the gut to help you have more regular, softer bowel movements. It is taken once daily on an empty stomach and is available in several capsule strengths.

What is Linaclotide Capsule

Linaclotide is a prescription capsule medicine used to treat certain types of constipation in adults, including some caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It works inside the gut to help you have more regular, softer bowel movements.

Linaclotide Capsule uses

• Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults
• Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
• Treatment of functional constipation in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age (US labeling only)

Benefits of Linaclotide Capsule

• Relieves constipation
• Improves bowel movement frequency
• Helps soften stools
• Reduces abdominal discomfort associated with IBS-C
• Treats functional constipation in eligible pediatric patients
• Treats chronic idiopathic constipation in adults

How Linaclotide Capsule works

Linaclotide attaches to a receptor in the gut called guanylate cyclase C. This causes more fluid to move into the intestine, which makes bowel movements happen more often and makes stools softer. It can also ease abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloating.

Linaclotide Capsule dosage

Take once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Swallow the capsule whole with water; do not chew it. If you have difficulty swallowing, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or mixed with water and swallowed right away. Sprinkling on other foods or mixing with other liquids has not been tested, so only use applesauce or water if needed. Do not store the applesauce or water mixture for later use; take it immediately.

If using a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube, the beads can be mixed with water and given through the tube as directed by your healthcare provider. If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time; do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one. You can eat your first meal of the day 30 minutes after taking the dose.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsules: 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg of linaclotide

Side effects of Linaclotide Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea
• Passing gas (flatulence)
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating or swelling/fullness in the abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
• Indigestion

Serious

• Severe diarrhea with persistent watery stools
• New or worsening abdominal pain not typical of your usual symptoms
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bloody or black, tarry stools accompanying severe stomach pain

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine must not be given to children under 6 years old (and in the US, under 2 years old), because it can cause severe diarrhea that can seriously harm young children, including serious dehydration.
• This medicine is not recommended for children and teens between 6 and 18 years of age because its safety hasn't been fully studied in this group and it could cause harm (though a related US product allows use from age 6 for functional constipation).
• Do not use this medicine if you have a bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction).
• Diarrhea often starts within the first two weeks of treatment and can sometimes be severe.
• Do not start taking any new medicine while on this drug without checking with your healthcare provider first.
• There isn't enough research on whether this medicine is safe for pregnant women. It should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides the benefit is worth the possible risk to the baby.
• This medicine is only minimally absorbed by the body, and it was not found in breast milk in studies, so breastfeeding is not expected to expose your baby to the drug. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while taking it.
• No dose changes are needed for people with kidney problems, since the medicine isn't expected to build up in the body in a way that affects the kidneys.
• No dose changes are needed for people with liver problems, since the medicine isn't expected to be affected by liver function.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 86°F, or per US labeling 68°F to 77°F)
• Keep the medicine in its original container; do not subdivide or repackage
• Protect from moisture
• Do not remove the desiccant packet from the container
• Keep the container tightly closed and in a dry place
• Keep out of reach and sight of children

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor right away if you develop severe diarrhea with persistent watery stools.
• Get medical help right away if you have new or worsening abdominal pain that is unusual for your condition.
• If you think you or someone you're caring for has taken too much of this medicine, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or your local poison control center right away, even without symptoms.
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have unusual or severe stomach-area pain along with bright red, bloody stools or black, tar-like stools.

Alternatives

• Lubiprostone
• Plecanatide
• Polyethylene glycol