Drug reference
plecanatide
Guanylate cyclase C agonist; Prosecretory agent · Prosecretory agent; Laxative
Guanylate cyclase C agonist; Prosecretory agentProsecretory agent; LaxativeATC A06AX07
CDSCO approvedATC A06AX07
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Plecanatide is a 16–amino acid synthetic analogue of uroguanylin. It activates GC-C, leading to increased synthesis of cyclic GMP, which results in enhanced chloride and bicarbonate secretion into the intestinal lumen, causing water secretion and enhanced motility.
Indications
Chronic idiopathic constipation
Dosing
- Adult
- 3 mg daily, with or without food (for chronic idiopathic constipation).
- Pediatric
- Not advised for older children up to 18 years of age
Contraindications
- Children less than 6 years old
Side effects
Common
Diarrhea (5%, severe in 0.6%)
Drug interactions
1 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interaction hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Updated: 2026-05-10