Linaclotide Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Linaclotide

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 22, 2022. 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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

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

Linaclotide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Linaclotide should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and fatal dehydration in a child.

## 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 18 years old.

Linaclotide should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old. Linaclotide can cause severe diarrhea and fatal dehydration in a child. 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.

## 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.

## 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.

Linaclotide side effects (more detail)

## Linaclotide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

290 mcg orally once a day
Comments:
-Patients should take this drug on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
-Capsules should be swallowed whole; patients should avoid breaking apart or chewing the capsules.
-Patients with swallowing difficulties may open the capsules and administer orally (in applesauce or water) OR via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (in water).
Use: Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

145 mcg orally once a day
Comments:
-Some patients may be given 72 mcg orally once a day based on individual characteristics and tolerability.
-Patients should take this drug on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes prior to the first meal of the day.
-Capsules should be swallowed whole; patients should avoid breaking apart or chewing the capsules.
-Patients with swallowing difficulties may open the capsules and administer orally (in applesauce or water) OR via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube (in water).
Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Detailed Linaclotide dosage information

## 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.

Linaclotide drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more 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.

## More about linaclotide

- Check interactions
- Reviews (873)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: guanylate cyclase-C agonists
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Linzess

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation

## Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01.