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Home > Drug Category > Irritable Bowel Syndrome > Constella and Equivalent

Constella Information

Constella (Linaclotide) is primarily indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation without a known cause. The active ingredient is linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase-C agonist. It works locally in the gut and is barely absorbed into the rest of your body. It binds to receptors on the intestinal lining, triggering the release of chloride, bicarbonate, and water into the bowel. This softens the stool and speeds up transit time. Interestingly, it also appears to decrease the activity of pain-sensing nerves in the gut, which is why it's particularly helpful for the cramping associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

These bowel conditions aren't only about slowed bowel movements; they often involve a complex dysfunction in which the gut's transit is sluggish, and the nerves in the digestive tract become hypersensitive. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation specifically involves recurring bouts of bloating and significant abdominal pain that can be quite debilitating. Constella essentially acts by increasing intestinal fluid, which addresses the mechanical issue of hard, infrequent stools, making them easier to pass. Simultaneously, its effect on nerve pathways may provide much-needed relief from the visceral hypersensitivity that makes ordinary digestion feel painful for many patients. This dual action on both motility and sensation appears to set it apart from standard over-the-counter osmotic laxatives.

Constella Side Effects

You may experience mild side effects with this medication. These may include bloating (swelling or feeling of fullness in your abdomen), diarrhea, nausea, passing gas, and vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• New or worsening abdominal pain;
• Severe diarrhea (persistent watery stools)

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Constella Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to linaclotide. Before using this medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions, including gastrointestinal problems such as a mechanical bowel obstruction, bleeding from the bowel or rectum, or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease). While there are no direct contraindications for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, notify your doctor of these or any other chronic illnesses so they can monitor you for potential electrolyte imbalances, especially if you experience significant diarrhea.

This medication should be used with caution in older adults, as they may be more likely to experience severe diarrhea. It is contraindicated for use in children younger than 2 years of age due to the risk of serious dehydration, and should be used with extreme caution in children up to 6 years of age. Because this medication stays in the gut and systemic absorption is negligible, fetal exposure is expected to be low. However, it is usually prescribed for pregnant women only if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. It can generally be used while breastfeeding as it is not expected to pass into breast milk. Some medications, like oral contraceptives and levothyroxine, may not work well if used in individuals with diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are using before starting Constella.

Take one capsule of Constella daily at least 30 minutes before your first meal. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush or chew it. If you have trouble swallowing, the contents of the capsule may be sprinkled on applesauce or water and consumed immediately. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of this medication for you depending on your condition. Check out the leaflets in the medication pack for more usage instructions. Store this medication at room temperature, in its original package. Protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Constella?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Constella.