Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Ibsrela (tenapanor) and Trulance (plecanatide) are both prescription medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). However, they belong to different drug classes and work in distinct ways. Ibsrela is a sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor. It prevents sodium absorption in the gut which increases water in the intestines to soften stool and works on the nerves in the gut to relieve stomach pain. In contrast, Trulance is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that raises fluid levels in the intestines and speeds up food movement through the gut. Ibsrela is taken twice daily before meals, while Trulance is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. Both medications can cause diarrhea, but Ibsrela has a higher reported rate of this side effect. Both medications are only available as a brand medication and neither medication is safe for children.
Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Trulance (plecanatide)
Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Trulance (plecanatide)
Summary of Ibsrela vs. Trulance
Summary for Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor
Prescription only
Ibsrela (tenapanor) is used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This medication belongs to the drug class called sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitors. Ibsrela (tenapanor) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. There aren't many side effects, but the most common is diarrhea. Other side effects include bloating, gas, and dizziness.
Summary for GC-C agonist
Prescription only
Trulance (plecanatide) is used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (long-term constipation of an unknown cause). It belongs to a group of medications called guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonists. The usual dosage is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. A possible side effect of the medication is diarrhea. This medication isn't available as a generic, but you can get it as the brand name Trulance.