From the Guidelines
Linzess (linaclotide) is a prescription medication that should be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, as it has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in these patients 1. The medication works by increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and accelerating bowel movements, and is typically taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
- The standard dosage is 290 mcg once daily for IBS-C and 145 mcg once daily for chronic constipation.
- Linzess activates guanylate cyclase-C receptors on intestinal cells, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which enhances intestinal fluid secretion and transit.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas.
- It should not be given to children under 6 years old due to risks of severe dehydration, and is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction.
- Improvement in symptoms typically occurs within the first week of treatment, though full benefits may take longer to develop, as supported by the most recent guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Gastroenterology 2, 3.
From the FDA Drug Label
LINZESS is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist indicated for treatment of: 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.
The use of Linzess (Linaclotide) is for the treatment of:
- 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 4
From the Research
Use of Linzess (Linaclotide)
- Linzess (Linaclotide) is used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) 5, 6, 7.
- Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist with high selectivity and binding affinity to GC-C, which increases intracellular cyclic guanosome─6901 (cGMP), resulting in increased fluid secretion and gastrointestinal transit 6.
- The use of Linaclotide has been shown to improve constipation, various abdominal symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with IBS-C and CIC, with a favorable safety profile 6, 7.
- Linaclotide can also relieve abdominal bloating, which is associated with lower QOL and lower satisfaction with other approved therapies 6.
- The treatment algorithm for CIC and IBS-C may include Linaclotide as a therapeutic option, with Canadian physicians finding guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) agonist, such as Linaclotide, most satisfying when treating their patients 8.