What Is Linzess? Uses, Warnings & Interactions


Methodology

Linzess is a drug commonly used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The component included in this is Linaclotide.

The medicine helps to relieve irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation by increasing the production and secretion of intestinal fluid.

This special class of medicines increases the chloride and water production in the intestine, which helps ease any blockage.

This helps to clear away and ease constipation. A faster intestinal transit time is one of its benefits. It can either be prescribed in isolation or with other medicines. 

Care should be taken to use the medicine only with a valid and proper prescription from a qualified medical professional.

How To Use It?

  • Always obtain the medication after a proper diagnosis and a valid prescription.
  • Adhere to the treatment course detailed by the medical professional. This includes dosage and duration. 
  • Read the medication guide enclosed with the medicine and take care to follow the same.
  • Take the medicine on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast.
  • Take care to swallow the capsule whole.
  • Take care to avoid double dosing.
  • Always take the instructed dosage of medicine at a fixed time. In case you skip a dose, get started at the regular time.
Uses Warnings & Interactions

Side Effects

Every drug causes side effects. This may be due to the predisposition of certain individuals towards medicine, the nature of the medication, long-term use, or even improper use of the drug.

While Linzess is commonly prescribed these days to relieve gastric and bowel discomfort, some of the drug’s common side effects are.

  • Diarrhea
  • Flatulence
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Abdominal Distension
  • Viral Gastroenteritis
  • Headache
  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
  • Sinusitis

The drug may cause any other internal and/or external discomfort. If anything is out of the ordinary, immediately consult a medical professional.

Precautions

  • Every drug or medicine must be consumed only after receiving a proper diagnosis of the illness and with a proper and valid prescription. Hence, care must be taken to avoid buying medicines over the counter, mainly if they are used for specific purposes.
  • Linzess is best avoided in children and minors below 18 years of age. It is not prescribed or to be administered to infants and children below six years of age. The drug may cause dehydration in children and some adults. 
  • People with allergies, older adults, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and persons taking other drugs should always disclose these details to a medical professional. This would help the latter to make an informed decision before suggesting a course of treatment and fixing any drug. 
  • Take immediate medical attention for cardiovascular, respiratory, neural, muscular, or skin problems.

FAQs

  1. Is Linzess Safe To Use?

Linzess is safe to use after obtaining a valid prescription from the doctor. Like all medicines, Linzess has to be administered carefully, considering individual problems, preferences, dosage, and durations.

  1. What Happens If We Take Linzess For More Than The Prescribed Duration?

Taking Linzess for more than the prescribed duration is not advised as it may lead to short-term or long-term side effects.

  1. Is Linzess A Laxative?

No. Linzess is not a laxative. It is a medicine that falls within the categories of IBS agents.

  1. Can Linzess Be Prescribed To Children?

Linzess is never prescribed to children as it causes dehydration.

  1. Can Linzess Be Used For Weight Loss?

No. Linzess is not a weight loss medicine or supplement. It is never prescribed for this purpose, and it should only be consumed with a proper treatment plan and a medical professional’s advice.

Dr. Jun Ren is a dedicated and experienced registered dietitian and nutritionist who is committed to helping people achieve their health goals through personalized nutrition plans. With a passion for promoting healthy eating habits and preventing chronic diseases, Dr. Ren has been able to assist numerous clients in improving their overall quality of life.

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