Key takeaways
- Linzess is a prescription medication for adults that treats irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).
- The typical dosage of Linzess for IBS-C is 290 micrograms (mcg) once per day. For CIC, it’s usually 145 mcg once per day, though a lower dose of 72 mcg may be prescribed for some individuals.
- Linzess should be taken once per day on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before the first meal.
Linzess is a brand-name medication that’s prescribed to treat the following conditions in adults:
- irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
- chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), which is long-lasting constipation without a known cause
Linzess comes as an oral capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
The active ingredient in Linzess is linaclotide. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.)
This article describes Linzess dosages, strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about this drug, see this Linzess overview article.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious dehydration
Linzess has a boxed warning about the risk of serious dehydration in children less than 2 years old. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Due to this risk, Linzess is contraindicated for children in this age group. To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Linzess and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Linzess strengths
Linzess oral capsules come in three strengths:
- 72 micrograms (mcg)
- 145 mcg
- 290 mcg
What are the usual dosages of Linzess?
The following table shows the commonly prescribed dosages of Linzess. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage for your needs.
| Condition | Usual dosage | Other possible dosage |
|---|---|---|
| irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) | 290 mcg taken once per day | none |
| chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) | 145 mcg taken once per day | 72 mcg taken once per day |
Is Linzess taken long term?
Yes, Linzess is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Linzess comes as a capsule that you swallow. You’ll take it once per day on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal of the day.
You should swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see these tips for how to swallow a pill.
You can also open the capsules and mix the beads inside with applesauce or water. Do not crush or chew the beads. Mix Linzess with applesauce or water right before taking each dose. Do not mix doses ahead of time.
If mixing Linzess with applesauce:
- Open a capsule and mix the beads with 1 teaspoon of room-temperature applesauce.
- Swallow the spoonful of applesauce right away and without chewing the beads.
If mixing Linzess with water:
- Open a capsule and mix the beads with 30 milliliters (about 1 ounce) of room-temperature water.
- Gently swirl the mixture for 20 seconds and swallow the mixture right away.
You can also receive Linzess through a nasogastric or gastrostomy feeding tube if needed. For details on receiving doses of Linzess through a feeding tube, see the drug’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Linzess, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time the next day. You should not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. Doing this could raise your risk of Linzess side effects.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Linzess on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Linzess than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms that may result from an overdose of Linzess include severe diarrhea and stomach pain.
What to do in case you take too much Linzess
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Linzess. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Linzess dosage:
Can I take Linzess twice per day?
No, you should not take Linzess twice per day. This drug is intended to be taken once per day. Taking more than this could raise your risk of side effects.
If you’re concerned that your current dosage isn’t working for you, talk with your doctor.
I have kidney problems. Do I need to take a lower dose of Linzess?
It’s not likely. Linzess is broken down inside the digestive tract, so it shouldn’t affect the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, you should be able to take the standard Linzess dosage for your condition. But always take the dosage your doctor recommends.
If you have questions about your current dosage, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
