Linaclotide

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Treatment
3 FDA approvals
5 Active Studies for Linaclotide

What is Linaclotide

LinaclotideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryLinaclotide is a medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is an amino acid-based drug made of fourteen different amino acids that are linked together with three disulfide bonds. The FDA approved this drug on August 30, 2012.
Linzessis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Linaclotide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Linzess
Linaclotide
2012
5

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Linaclotide, also known as Linzess, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome .
Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
Helps manage Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Helps manage Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
Helps manage chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Effectiveness

How Linaclotide Affects PatientsLinaclotide has been observed to cause changes in the shape and texture of stools, as measured by the Bristol Stool Form Scale.
How Linaclotide works in the bodyLinaclotide helps people with IBS, especially constipation, by speeding up the movement of food through the intestines and increasing fluid in the gut. It does this by activating a protein called guanylate cyclase-C, which triggers a chain reaction that causes a type of cell to release more chloride and bicarbonate. This reaction also helps reduce pain in the gut by increasing a molecule called cGMP, which acts on the pain-sensing nerves.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Linaclotide is contingent upon the recognized illness. The measure of dosage also differs in accordance with the mode of delivery, as indicated in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
, 0.29 mg, 0.145 mg, 0.072 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
, 0.29 mg, 0.145 mg, 0.072 mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral

Warnings

Linaclotide has two contraindications, and taking it is not recommended for those with any of the conditions listed in the following table.Linaclotide Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Linaclotide.
Common Linaclotide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alloin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Alloin.
Bisacodyl
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Bisacodyl.
Bisoxatin
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Bisoxatin.
Calcium polycarbophil
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Calcium polycarbophil.
Carboxymethylcellulose
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Linaclotide is combined with Carboxymethylcellulose.
Linaclotide Toxicity & Overdose RiskTaking Linzess may cause side effects in some patients, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, passing gas, and bloating. These effects occur in 2% or more of those taking the drug.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Linaclotide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Linaclotide?

Five ongoing trials are analyzing the effectiveness of Linaclotide in providing relief from chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3

Linaclotide Reviews: What are patients saying about Linaclotide?

5Patient Review
10/16/2022
Linaclotide for Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement
I was surprised to read about all the negative experiences people have had. For me, this treatment began working within three hours. I had several bouts of diarrhea, but it was never painful and it really cleaned me out. I would recommend being near a toilet for at least five hours after taking the medication, as you will likely need to use it frequently. This treatment didn't make my stomach bloated; if anything, it did the opposite.
5Patient Review
10/16/2022
Linaclotide for Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement
I was surprised to hear that other people have had such negative experiences with this medication. For me, it started working within three hours and I had several bouts of heavy diarrhea. It never bothered my stomach, though, and actually made me feel much cleaner. I would recommend being near a toilet for at least five hours after taking the medication, as you will likely not have any solid movements during that time.
4.3Patient Review
5/22/2022
Linaclotide for Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement
I've had chronic constipation for a long time, and my doctor recommended Linzess. The first pill took effect in about three hours, and yes, like others have said it causes diarrhea. But I can say that it really cleans me out and makes me feel much better.
4.3Patient Review
5/22/2022
Linaclotide for Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement
I've had chronic constipation for most of my life, and my doctor recommended Linzess. The first pill took effect after about three hours, and yes, it caused diarrhea (sometimes explosively). However, it really cleans me out and makes me feel much better.
3.7Patient Review
10/25/2022
Linaclotide for Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement
When I first started this medication, it helped a lot. However, after a while it stopped being as effective. Now, I only take it when I need to and that works better for me.
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about linaclotide

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How long does it take for linaclotide to work?

"If you're constipated, you can typically expect relief within a week. For those with IBS-C, abdominal pain and other symptoms like discomfort and bloating typically begin to improve within the first week, and these improvements continue over the course of 12 weeks."

Answered by AI

Is LINZESS just a laxative?

"It's designed to work in different areas of your intestine and bowels.

LINZESS is designed to work differently than other medications by targeting different areas of the intestine and bowels. It is the first approved treatment in its class."

Answered by AI

Is linaclotide the same as LINZESS?

"Linzess helps to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) by working on the muscles in the intestine."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Linaclotide