Drug reference
Linaclotide
Laxative · Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation
Also known as Constella
LaxativeTreatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with ConstipationATC A06AX04
CDSCO approvedATC A06AX04
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Manufacturer advises avoid.
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C receptor agonist.
Indications
Moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipationPatients whose condition has not responded adequately to all other treatments, or who are intolerant of them (for moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipation)Patients who have not responded to laxatives from different classes and who have had constipation for at least 12 monthsConstipation-predominant IBSChronic constipation
Dosing
- Adult
- 290 micrograms once daily, to be taken at least 30 minutes before meals. Review treatment if no response after 4 weeks.
- Pediatric
- Not recommended for older children
Contraindications
- Gastro-intestinal obstruction
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Children under 6 years old
Side effects
Common
DiarrhoeaDizzinessGastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinal disordersDiarrhea (can be severe)GasAbdominal painHeadaches
Serious
- Dehydration
- Haemorrhage
- Hypokalaemia
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoid.
Lactation
Unlikely to be present in milk in significant amounts, but manufacturer advises avoid.
Related guidelines
Irritable bowel syndrome
ISG · Gastroenterology · 2023
Inflammatory bowel disease
OTHER · Gastroenterology · 2015
Empirical antimicrobial use in common syndromes
ICMR · Infectious Diseases · 2019
Acute coronary syndrome in chronic kidney disease
CSI · Cardiology · 2020
Sjögren's syndrome
EULAR · Rheumatology · 2025
Other Laxative drugs
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team