Linzess: Not Your Typical Laxative

Linaclotide (Linzess) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It is not a laxative; it is the first approved treatment in a class of drugs that work differently from other medications. Linzess is a once-daily pill that helps manage symptoms of IBS-C and CIC, including belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bloating associated with IBS-C. It works by increasing fluid in the intestines and helping to speed up the movement of food through the gut. It is important to note that Linzess is not recommended for children below two years of age as it may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.

Linzess is not a laxative

Linzess (linaclotide) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, as well as functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of Linzess in children with FC under 6 years of age or IBS-C under 18 years of age are unknown.

Linzess works by increasing fluid in the intestines and helping to speed up the movement of food through the gut. It may improve stool texture and lessen symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort, straining, and feelings of incomplete bowel movements. It is taken orally, usually once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal.

Linzess is different from laxatives, which are medicines that help treat constipation by softening hard stools or stimulating bowel movements. Laxatives include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants. Most laxatives are available without a prescription, whereas Linzess requires a prescription.

Linzess is not recommended for children under 2 years of age as it may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. It is also not advised for those with a bowel blockage. Before taking Linzess, it is important to consult a doctor and inform them about any medical conditions, allergies, and medications currently being taken.

Linzess is a once-daily pill

Linzess is not a laxative. It is the first approved treatment in a class of drugs that work differently from other medications. It acts locally in the intestine and is thought to work in two ways: by calming pain-sensing nerves and accelerating bowel movements. When taken daily, Linzess typically provides constipation relief within about a week. For IBS-C patients, relief from belly pain and overall abdominal symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and bloating may begin within a week, with symptoms typically improving over 12 weeks.

The dosage of Linzess is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not broken or chewed. If there is difficulty swallowing the capsule, it may be opened and mixed with a teaspoonful of applesauce, or its contents can be emptied into a small amount of water and drunk immediately.

Linzess can cause serious side effects, including diarrhea, which is the most common side effect and can sometimes be severe. Other common side effects include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and stomach pain or discomfort. If any of these side effects occur, patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist.

Linzess treats irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)

Linaclotide (Linzess) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. IBS-C is characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel functioning, resulting in physical, psychological, social, and economic detriment to patients. It is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, with an estimated prevalence rate of 7% in North America.

Linzess is a once-daily pill that has been proven to treat multiple symptoms of IBS-C. It helps patients have more frequent and complete bowel movements and relieves abdominal pain and symptoms such as discomfort and bloating. It is important to note that abdominal symptoms were studied in combination and not individually.

Linzess is not a laxative. It is the first approved treatment in a class of drugs that work differently from other medications. It is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist that stimulates the guanylate cyclase type-C (GC-C) receptor located on the luminal surface of the intestine. This stimulation increases fluid secretion, softening stools and stimulating bowel movements.

Linzess is taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. It should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, broken, or opened. It can be taken with water. It may take up to two weeks for symptoms to improve.

Linzess can cause serious side effects, including diarrhoea, which is the most common side effect and can sometimes be severe. Other common side effects include gas, abdominal pain, and swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen (distention). It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any unusual or severe abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by bloody or black stools.

Linzess treats chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Linaclotide (Linzess) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. CIC is a type of constipation that keeps coming back or lasts for three months or more, with no known cause. It is characterised by hard, dry, lumpy, or painful stools that are difficult to pass.

Linzess is a once-daily pill that helps to increase the frequency and completeness of bowel movements. It is not a laxative but belongs to a class of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C agonists, which stimulate the guanylate cyclase type-C (GC-C) receptor in the intestine to increase fluid secretion, softening stools and stimulating bowel movements.

Linzess was approved by the FDA in 2012 for the treatment of CIC in adults. It is typically taken in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Relief from constipation is usually felt within about a week of starting Linzess, with symptoms improving over 12 weeks.

Linzess may cause side effects such as severe diarrhoea, stomach pain, and swelling or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. It is important to note that Linzess is not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult with their doctor before taking this medication.

Linzess treats functional constipation (FC)

Linzess (generic name: linaclotide) is a prescription medicine used to treat functional constipation (FC) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. FC is characterised by constipation with no known cause.

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

Linzess is taken as a once-daily pill and is not a laxative. It is important to take Linzess every day for it to work best, which is different from over-the-counter laxatives, which are often taken as needed. It should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.

When taken daily, constipation relief is typically felt within about a week. If a patient stops taking Linzess, their symptoms may return within about a week.

Side Effects

Diarrhoea is the most common side effect of Linzess and can sometimes be severe. It often begins within the first two weeks of treatment. Other common side effects include abdominal pain, gas, and swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.

Frequently asked questions