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.
