Key takeaways
Ibsrela (tenapanor) and Linzess (linaclotide) are both used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults, but they work in different ways. Ibsrela is a sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor that prevents sodium absorption in the gut, which helps soften stool and relieve stomach pain. It also works on the nerves in the gut to help relieve stomach pain. Ibsrela is taken twice a day before meals. Linzess, on the other hand, is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that increases fluid in the intestines and speeds up food movement through the gut. You take it once a day on an empty stomach. Additionally, Linzess is also used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults as well as functional constipation (FC) in children, whereas Ibsrela is not recommended for children. Both medications can cause diarrhea, stomach bloating, and gas and are only available as a brand medication.
