Laxatives And Linzess: Safe Together?

Laxatives are over-the-counter treatments for occasional constipation. However, Linzess is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults and children over the age of 6. It is not recommended to take Linzess with certain laxatives, including magnesium citrate, sodium phosphate, and polyethylene glycol, as they may increase the chances of having diarrhoea.

Linzess is not a laxative

Linzess (generic name: linaclotide) is a prescription-only medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and idiopathic constipation (CIC). The term 'idiopathic' means that the cause of the constipation is unknown.

Linzess is not recommended for children under 6 years old, as it can cause serious side effects. The effectiveness and safety of Linzess in minors (under 18) have not yet been established.

Linzess should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking, as they may affect the absorption of Linzess.

Linzess is a prescription medication

Linzess (generic name: linaclotide) is a prescription-only medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and idiopathic constipation (CIC). The term 'idiopathic' means that the cause of the constipation is unknown.

Linzess is not a laxative. It is a once-daily pill that can help proactively manage symptoms of IBS-C and CIC, including belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bloating. It is not recommended for children under 6 years old as it can cause serious side effects. The effectiveness and safety of Linzess in minors (under 18) have not yet been established.

Linzess is taken orally, with the whole capsule swallowed at once. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. It is not to be chewed or broken while consuming.

Linzess can be safely taken with other medications. However, certain laxatives, including magnesium citrate, sodium phosphate, and polyethylene glycol, should be avoided while taking Linzess as they may increase the likelihood of diarrhoea.

Linzess is not a weight-loss medicine, but some people who have taken it to treat chronic constipation have experienced weight loss due to its side effect of diarrhoea.

Linzess is taken once daily

Linzess is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It is also used to treat functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. The term "idiopathic" refers to the cause of constipation being unknown.

Linzess is not a laxative but works differently to help manage symptoms of IBS-C and CIC. It acts locally in the intestine and is believed to work in two ways: by calming pain-sensing nerves and accelerating bowel movements.

When taken daily, Linzess can provide constipation relief in about a week. For IBS-C patients, relief from belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms may be experienced within a week, with further improvements typically seen over 12 weeks.

Linzess is not suitable for children under 6

Linzess is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It is also used to treat functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. The term "idiopathic" refers to an unknown cause of constipation.

Linzess has not been tested on children under 6, and there is a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the risk of serious dehydration in this age group. Animal studies have shown that young animals given Linzess had an increased risk of dehydration and, in some cases, death. Therefore, doctors will not prescribe Linzess to children under 6.

If your child is under 6 and experiencing constipation, it is important to consult a doctor for advice on alternative treatments.

Linzess can cause side effects

Linzess (generic name: linaclotide) is a prescription-only medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and idiopathic constipation (CIC). It is not recommended for children under 6 years old as it can cause serious side effects. The safety and effectiveness of Linzess in minors (under 18) have not yet been established.

Linzess is not a laxative. It is the first approved treatment in a class of drugs that work differently from other medications. It is taken orally, usually once a day, on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal.

Linzess can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer, become bothersome, or severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mild side effects

Mild allergic reactions and infections, such as intestinal or respiratory infections, have been reported.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare but can occur. Linzess may cause severe allergic reactions and severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. Diarrhoea is the most common side effect, often beginning within the first two weeks of treatment. Other common side effects include gas, abdominal pain, and swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen (distension).

If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Linzess and call your doctor right away.

Frequently asked questions