Linaclotide is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). It works by increasing intestinal fluid secretion, which helps ease the passage of stools and relieve the symptoms of constipation.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast or the first meal of the day.

Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may mix the contents with applesauce or water.

To mix with applesauce: Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads on 1 teaspoonful of applesauce in a clean container. The mixture must be swallowed immediately without chewing. Do not store it for later use.
To mix with water: Pour 30 mL (1 ounce) of water into a clean cup. Open the capsule and sprinkle the beads into the cup. Gently swirl the bead-water mixture for at least 10 seconds. Swallow the entire mixture immediately. Add another 30 mL of water to the cup, swirl the water, and swallow it to make sure all of the beads are taken. Do not store it for later use.
The water mixture may also be used for a nasogastric or gastric feeding tube. After the mixture is given, flush the tube with an additional 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of water.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

severe diarrhea

Less common

Heartburn

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

weakness

Rare

Bleeding from the rectum

bloody, black, or tarry stools

confusion

cough

decreased urination

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

dry mouth

fainting

fast heartbeat

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash or redness

increase in heart rate

lightheadedness

loss of bowel control

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue

rapid breathing

shortness of breath

sunken eyes

thirst

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

wrinkled skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

chills

ear congestion

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

fever

full or bloated feeling

headache

loss of voice

passing gas

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

indigestion

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

pressure in the stomach

stomach discomfort or upset

swelling of the abdominal or stomach area

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Call your doctor right away if you have severe diarrhea with feeling of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.