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Compare Amitiza vs. Linzess

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lubiprostone (Amitiza) and linaclotide (Linzess) are both medications used to treat constipation, including constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC). However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Lubiprostone is a chloride channel activator that increases chloride and fluid in the intestines, while linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that raises fluid levels and speeds up food movement in the gut. Lubiprostone is available as a generic and is taken twice daily, whereas linaclotide is only available as a brand-name medication and is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Side effects of both medications include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Both medications can lead to severe diarrhea, but linaclotide has a specific warning against use in children under 2 years due to the risk of serious dehydration. Additionally, lubiprostone can cause low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, which are not associated with linaclotide.

  • Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
    Linzess (linaclotide)
  • Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
    Linzess (linaclotide)

  • Summary of Amitiza vs. Linzess

    Summary for Chloride channel activator
    Prescription only

    Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is used to treat a few types of constipation in adults. This includes long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. It can also help with constipation from long-term opioid use long term. The medication works as a chloride channel activator to help move stool through your gut. It comes as a capsule that's swallowed whole and the dosage is taken twice per day. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

    Summary for GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Linzess (linaclotide) is approved for people 7 years and older with constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). It's also for adults with long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. Children 6 years and older with functional constipation can take this medication as well. Linzess (linaclotide) belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth once a day. But diarrhea is a common side effect. This medication is currently brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Amitiza vs. Linzess

    Indications for
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Constipation from opioids in adults with chronic, non-cancer pain
    •irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Functional constipation (FC) in children 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Amitiza vs. Linzess

    Pros and Const for Chloride channel activator
    Pros
    •Can help with long-lasting constipation when over-the-counter treatments or remedies haven't worked well
    •Few interactions with medications (except with methadone)
    •Okay for people with kidney or liver problems (those with liver problems need their dose adjusted)
    Cons
    •Often causes nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Must swallow capsule whole and taken with food and water
    •Not approved for children
    Pros and Const for GC-C agonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Can start to see improvement as early as a week of taking it every day
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal)
    •Can cause diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Amitiza vs. Linzess

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Diarrhea (12%)
    •Headache (11%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Stomach bloating (6%)
    •Feeling gassy (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain
    •Having gas
    •Bloating and feeling full in the belly

    Children:

    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Amitiza vs. Linzess

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Trouble breathing
    •Intestinal blockage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Amitiza vs. Linzess

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