Can Linzess (linaclotide) be taken with an additional dose of Linzess (linaclotide)?

Do Not Take Double Doses of Linzess

Never take two doses of Linzess (linaclotide) at the same time. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at your regular scheduled time. 1

Critical Safety Guidance

The American Gastroenterological Association explicitly states that if a dose is not taken as directed, the next dose should be taken at the regular time, and never take 2 doses at the same time, to minimize risk of adverse effects. 1

Why This Matters

• Diarrhea is the primary safety concern with linaclotide, occurring in approximately 16.3% of patients at standard doses compared to 2.3% with placebo. 2

• Taking a double dose would significantly increase the risk of severe diarrhea, as the drug's mechanism of action directly increases intestinal fluid secretion through guanylate cyclase-C receptor activation. 3, 4

• In clinical trials, diarrhea led to treatment discontinuation in approximately 4.7% of patients at standard doses. 5 A double dose would substantially elevate this risk.

Proper Dosing Schedule

• For chronic constipation (CIC): Take 72 μg or 145 μg once daily. 5

• For IBS-C: Take 290 μg once daily. 5, 2

• Timing: Must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. 5, 1

If You Miss a Dose

• Skip the missed dose entirely. 1

• Resume your normal dosing schedule the next day. 1

• Do not attempt to "catch up" by taking extra medication. 1

Managing Diarrhea If It Occurs

• If diarrhea becomes problematic at your current dose, consider dose reduction rather than continuing at the same level or increasing the dose. 5

• Diarrhea from linaclotide is generally controllable by decreasing the dose. 4