This drug has a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
It’s possible for Linzess to increase the risk of serious dehydration in children younger than age 2 years. This side effect hasn’t been noted in children taking the drug. However, it was reported in animal studies of Linzess.
Animal studies don’t always predict what may happen in humans. Even so, due to the possible risk of serious dehydration, doctors usually won’t prescribe Linzess to children. In fact, Linzess is approved only for use in adults.
You may be seeking treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation for your child. If so, talk with your child’s doctor. They can discuss possible treatments for your child’s condition.
Linzess is a brand-name prescription medication that contains the active drug linaclotide. It belongs to a class of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. Linzess is not available in a generic form.
This medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions in adults:
In this article, you’ll find additional information about the dosage for Linzess, including dosage amounts. You’ll also find details on how to take the drug. For a comprehensive overview of Linzess, view this article.
Finding a healthcare professional
If you’re interested in taking Linzess, search here to find a doctor who might prescribe it.
This article describes typical recommended dosages for Linzess. These dosages are provided by the drug’s manufacturer.
Always follow the dosage of Linzess that your doctor prescribes.
Commonly recommended dosages for Linzess are shown below.
You should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll recommend the dosage that’s best for your condition.
Linzess’s form and strengths
Linzess comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth. It is available in the following strengths:
- 72 micrograms (mcg)
- 145 mcg
- 290 mcg
Typical recommended dosages for adults
Before you start Linzess, your doctor can determine the best treatment plan for you. Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Linzess that gives the desired effect.
Linzess dosage for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Below is an overview of the recommended dosage of Linzess for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Linzess that’s right for your condition.
- Dose: 290 mcg
- Frequency: once daily
Linzess dosage for chronic idiopathic constipation
Below is an overview of the recommended dosage of Linzess for chronic idiopathic constipation. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Linzess that’s right for your condition.
- Dose: 72 mcg or 145 mcg
- Frequency: once daily
In some cases, your doctor may recommend the lower dose of 72 mcg once daily. This may depend on the severity of your condition. It can also depend on whether you’re experiencing side effects from the higher dose of Linzess.
Length of treatment
Doctors typically prescribe Linzess as a long-term treatment. You’ll likely take it long term if you and your doctor feel it’s safe and effective for your condition. In clinical studies, Linzess was examined for up to 18 months.
Below are some common questions related to Linzess dosage.
Is there a Linzess dosage you take twice a day?
No, there is not a recommended Linzess dosage to be taken twice per day. You’ll take the recommended dosage only once daily.
Food affects the way your body responds to Linzess. Because of this, you’ll take Linzess on an empty stomach. Additionally, you’ll take it at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
To find out the best treatment plan for you, talk with your doctor before starting Linzess.
What are the dosage directions for Linzess?
Linzess comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth once daily. Take Linzess on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
Do not crush or chew Linzess capsules. You’ll swallow the capsules whole. If you have difficulty swallowing Linzess, the capsules can be opened and sprinkled into applesauce or water. They can then be given by mouth or through certain feeding tubes.
If you have difficulty swallowing, see the specific instructions on taking Linzess in the medication guide. You also can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Before starting treatment with Linzess, your doctor will discuss the dosing instructions with you. If you have any questions about taking Linzess, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will consider several factors when prescribing the dosage for Linzess. These factors include:
- the condition you’re taking Linzess to treat
- the severity of your condition
- side effects that you experience from Linzess
Your prescribed dosage may also vary based on other medical conditions you have.
Linzess comes as a capsule that you’ll swallow.
You should take Linzess on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
Do not crush or chew Linzess capsules. You’ll swallow the capsules whole. If you have difficulty swallowing Linzess, the capsules can be opened and sprinkled into applesauce or water. They can then be taken by mouth or through certain feeding tubes.
If you find you still have difficulty swallowing Linzess, you may find the following resources helpful.
- View this article for suggestions on taking this form of medication.
- See the medication guide for specific instructions on how to take Linzess if you have difficulty swallowing.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about taking your medication.
If you find it challenging to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels with large print or braille. They may also offer labels containing a scannable code that your smartphone can convert from text to speech. If your pharmacy doesn’t provide these choices, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If it’s difficult for you to open medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can dispense Linzess in an easy-open container. They also may recommend ways to help make it easier to open the bottles.
If you miss a dose of Linzess, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at your usual time. Do not take two doses to try to make up for a missed dose.
View these medication reminder options to help avoid missing doses. You could also set an alarm or download a reminder app on your phone.
If you take more than the recommended dosage of Linzess, serious effects can occur. Do not take more Linzess than your doctor prescribes.
Symptoms of overdose
An overdose of Linzess could cause you to have diarrhea.
What to do in case of overdose
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much of this drug. Also, you can call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or a local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about the dosage for Linzess. Keep in mind that the dosages presented in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Linzess that’s right for you and your condition. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any medications you’re taking, do not change your Linzess dosage without a recommendation from your doctor.
In addition to discussing Linzess with your doctor, you may find the following articles helpful in learning more.
- Overview of Linzess. For comprehensive details on Linzess, see this article.
- Drug comparisons. To learn how Linzess compares with Trulance, read this article.
- Information on side effects. If you’d like to know about possible side effects of Linzess, view this article.
- Details about uses of Linzess. To learn more about the conditions Linzess is used to treat, see these articles on constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
Disclaimer: Healthgrades has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
