What is Linzess (Linaclotide)?

From the Guidelines

Linzess (generic name: 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 be effective in increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and accelerating bowel movements, thereby relieving constipation and associated symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, as recommended by the AGA with high certainty in the evidence of effects 1.

Key Points About Linzess

• Linzess works by activating guanylate cyclase-C receptors, which increases intestinal fluid and accelerates transit time, as described in the study published in Gastroenterology 1.
• It comes in capsule form with dosages of 72 mcg, 145 mcg, or 290 mcg, typically taken once daily on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas, and it should not be given to children under 18 years of age due to safety concerns.
• Patients should inform their doctor about all other medications they're taking to avoid potential interactions, and the medication has been recommended as a first-line treatment for IBS-C by the AGA with a strong recommendation and high certainty in the evidence of effects 1.

Important Considerations

• The AGA recommends using linaclotide in patients with IBS-C, with a strong recommendation and high certainty in the evidence of effects 1.
• The British Society of Gastroenterology also recommends linaclotide as a second-line treatment for IBS-C, with a strong recommendation and high quality of evidence 1.
• The medication has been shown to be effective in increasing fluid secretion in the intestines and accelerating bowel movements, thereby relieving constipation and associated symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, as described in the study published in Gastroenterology 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

LINZESS is a prescription medicine used to treat: irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. a type of constipation called chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. “Idiopathic” means the cause of the constipation is unknown. functional constipation in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age

Linzess is a prescription medicine used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults, chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, and functional constipation in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age 2.

• It is not known if LINZESS is safe and effective in children with functional constipation less than 6 years of age or in children with IBS-C less than 18 years of age.
• LINZESS can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially in children less than 2 years of age.
• The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor, on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal, at approximately the same time each day 2.

Key points:

• Prescription medicine for IBS-C, CIC, and functional constipation
• Available in 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg capsules for oral administration
• Should be taken as prescribed by the doctor, with caution in certain patient populations 2.

From the Research

What is Linzess

• Linzess, also known as linaclotide, is a medication used to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) 3, 4, 5, 6.
• It belongs to a class of medications called guanylate cyclase-C agonists, which work by increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines and helping to move stool through the digestive system 5.
• Linaclotide has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of IBS-C and CIC, including abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation 4, 5, 6.
• It is typically used as a second-line treatment for IBS-C and CIC, after other treatments such as fiber and over-the-counter laxatives have been tried 3, 4.
• Common side effects of linaclotide include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas 6.

Mechanism of Action

• Linaclotide works by activating the guanylate cyclase-C receptor in the intestine, which increases the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) 5.
• Increased cGMP levels lead to increased fluid secretion into the intestine, which helps to soften and move stool through the digestive system 5.
• Linaclotide also has anti-nociceptive effects, which can help to reduce abdominal pain associated with IBS-C and CIC 5.

Comparison to Other Treatments

• Linaclotide has been compared to other treatments for IBS-C and CIC, including lubiprostone and prucalopride 4, 6.
• Studies have shown that linaclotide is generally well-tolerated and effective in improving symptoms of IBS-C and CIC, although it may have a higher risk of diarrhea compared to other treatments 6.