What is Linzess: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
The brand-name prescription drug Linzess relieves chronic forms of constipation in both adults and children aged 6 and older. It contains linaclotide, a drug that both increases water content in the large intestine and helps relieve abdominal pain. Linzess is taken once daily. The most common side effect is diarrhea.
Linzess overview
BRAND NAMES:
Linzess
Generic Names:
Linaclotide
Uses:
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults
Functional constipation in children aged 6 to 17 years old
Therapeutic Classes:
Guanylate cyclase-C agonist for constipation, prosecretory agent, gastrointestinal agent
Forms:
Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Linzess used for?
Linzess is a medication approved to treat chronic forms of constipation. In adults, Linzess treats irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, a condition that leads to stomach pain and constipation that can be difficult to manage. It also treats chronic idiopathic constipation, which is long-lasting constipation with no clear cause. In children aged 6 to 17 years old, Linzess may be prescribed to treat functional constipation, which occurs when a child has trouble having regular bowel movements or passing stools without any underlying cause.
Key takeaways
Take Linzess on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal at the same time each day, for maximum absorption and effectiveness.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as Linzess can cause diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished.
Be patient, as it may take up to a week or two for Linzess to start working effectively. Don't discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor first.
If you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as these may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If you have trouble swallowing the Linzess capsule whole, you can open it and mix the contents with applesauce or water to take orally. Alternatively, the contents can be mixed with water and given through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube.
What form(s) does Linzess come in
Capsule
72 micrograms (mcg)
145 mcg
290 mcg
What are common Linzess doses?
For irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in adults: 290 mcg capsule taken once daily
For chronic idiopathic constipation in adults: 145 mcg capsule taken once daily
For functional constipation in children 6 years of age and older: 72 mcg capsule taken once daily
Find more detailed information about Linzess dosage, forms, and strengths.
Common Linzess prescriptions
Linzess
30 capsules bottle
How to take Linzess
Take this medicine as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Refer to the Medication Guide that comes with this drug before starting treatment.
Take one dose at the same time each day at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
For people who cannot swallow the capsule, the beads inside the capsule can be sprinkled on one teaspoon of room-temperature applesauce or in one ounce of room-temperature bottled water.
For taking Linzess with applesauce:
Take one teaspoon of room temperature applesauce and place it in a clean container.
Carefully open the Linzess capsule and sprinkle all of the beads onto the applesauce.
Swallow the mixture of Linzess beads and applesauce right away. Do not store any leftover applesauce for later use.
Make sure not to chew the Linzess beads.
For taking Linzess in water:
Pour one ounce of room-temperature water into a cup.
Open the capsule and sprinkle all the beads into the water.
Gently swirl the beads around in the water for at least 20 seconds.
Immediately drink the entire mixture.
Add another ounce of room-temperature water to the cup if any beads are remaining.
Swirl the beads in the water for 20 seconds and drink the mixture right away.
The capsule beads can also be dissolved in water and administered through a nasogastric feeding tube. Consult a healthcare provider and see the Medication Guide for instructions.
Store Linzess capsules in the original bottle at room temperature in a dry place.
The bottle contains a small packet. Keep it in the bottle. It will protect the capsules from moisture.
What to do if you miss a dose of Linzess
Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time.
Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Linzess contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Linzess should be avoided in the following cases:
Known or suspected bowel or stomach blockage
Allergies to linaclotide or other ingredients in the medication
Children younger than 2 years of age
Linzess warnings
Always tell your doctor or healthcare provider that you are using Linzess. They will need to monitor your progress, so it’s important to keep all your appointments.
Let your prescriber know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other stomach or bowel issues.
Linzess should not be used in children under 2 years old due to a risk of serious dehydration. This info is based on animal studies that showed increased fluid secretion leading to higher mortality rates due to dehydration.
Diarrhea is the most commonly reported side effect for people taking Linzess. In clinical trials, about 2% of adults taking higher doses experienced severe diarrhea.
Linzess interactions
Linzess does not have any major drug interactions.
Linzess may not work as well when taken with other drugs that cause constipation, so tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs and supplements you’re taking.
If you visit different doctors, make sure to mention your use of Linzess to each one to prevent any potential problems with your medications.
Linzess side effects
Linzess may cause unwanted side effects, some of which can be serious. The side effects of Linzess mainly involve gastrointestinal problems that can vary in severity and may affect individuals differently.
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe, persistent, or watery diarrhea
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Severe stomach pain
Allergic reactions with symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling in your face, mouth, or tongue, or trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Mild diarrhea
Gas
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Headache
Find more information about Linzess side effects.
Sources:
Linzess highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)
Linzess drug label information, DailyMed (2023)
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