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

Quick overview

Linzess Capsule (linaclotide) is a prescription medicine from the guanylate cyclase-C agonist drug class, used to treat certain types of chronic constipation in adults and children. It works differently from regular laxatives by increasing fluid in the intestines to help soften stool and improve bowel movements. It is used for IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, as well as functional constipation in children aged 6 to 17.

What is Linzess Capsule

Linzess is a prescription medicine used to treat certain types of chronic constipation in adults and children. It works differently from regular laxatives by increasing fluid in the intestines.

Linzess Capsule uses

• Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults
• Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
• Functional constipation (FC) in pediatric patients 6 to 17 years of age

Benefits of Linzess Capsule

• Constipation Relief: Helps increase intestinal fluid and improve bowel movements.
• IBS-C Support: Used for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.
• Chronic Constipation Support: Used for chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.
• Abdominal Symptom Relief: May help reduce abdominal discomfort associated with IBS-C.
• Bowel Function Support: Helps improve stool frequency and consistency.

How Linzess Capsule works

Linaclotide attaches to a receptor on the lining of the intestine called guanylate cyclase-C. This activates a chain of signals that causes the intestines to release more fluid and chloride, which softens the stool and helps it move through the gut more easily and quickly.

Linzess Capsule dosage

Take once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal, at approximately the same time each day. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush or chew the capsule or its contents. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, it can be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or mixed with water, then swallowed right away without chewing. The capsule contents can also be given through a nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding tube if needed. If a dose is missed, skip it and take the next dose at the regular time; do not take two doses at once. It may take up to two weeks before symptoms improve.

Available forms and strengths

Capsules: 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg

Side effects of Linzess Capsule

Common

• Diarrhea (often starting in the first 2 weeks of treatment)
• Stomach-area (abdominal) pain
• Gas (flatulence)
• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Headache (in IBS-C patients)

Serious

• Severe diarrhea, which can lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances requiring hospitalization
• Allergic reactions including hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rectal bleeding or bloody/black tarry stools
• Dehydration, especially in young children

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine must never be given to children younger than 2 years old, because it can cause fatal dehydration in this age group.
• Do not use this medicine if you have a known or suspected blockage in your intestines.
• Severe diarrhea can occur. If it happens, stop the medicine and rehydrate.
• Accidentally swallowing this medicine, especially by a child under 2, can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. Store it securely out of children's reach and properly dispose of unused medicine.
• It is not known if Linzess will harm an unborn baby. Studies show the drug is barely absorbed into the mother's blood, so the baby is not expected to be directly exposed, but talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Linaclotide was not found in breast milk samples from mothers taking the medicine, so it is not expected to reach a breastfeeding infant through milk. Discuss with your doctor the benefits of breastfeeding against your need for this medicine.
• Kidney problems are not expected to change how this medicine is processed by the body, because it works mainly inside the gut rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Liver problems are not expected to change how this medicine is processed by the body, because it works mainly inside the gut rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Storage

• Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F)
• Keep in the original container. Do not subdivide or repackage. Protect from moisture.
• Do not remove desiccant from the container. Keep bottles tightly closed in a dry place.
• Keep out of the reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you get unusual or severe stomach pain, or severe diarrhea, especially with bloody or black tarry stools.
• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you develop severe stomach-area pain, especially with bright red bloody stools or black, tarry stools.

Alternatives

• Lubiprostone
• Plecanatide
• Prucalopride