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.
