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Compare Linzess vs. Motegrity

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

Key takeaways

Linzess (linaclotide) and Motegrity (prucalopride) are both used to treat chronic constipation, but they work in different ways and have some key differences. Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist that increases fluid in the intestines to help with bowel movements and is taken on an empty stomach once a day. Motegrity, on the other hand, is a serotonin-4 receptor agonist that stimulates gut movement and can be taken with or without food once a day. Both medications are available as brand only medications. Common side effects of Linzess include diarrhea and stomach pain, whereas Motegrity often causes headaches and nausea. Additionally, Motegrity has a warning for potential mood changes and suicidal thoughts, which is not a concern with Linzess. Both medications should be taken consistently, but you should consult your healthcare professional to determine which is best for you.

  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Motegrity (prucalopride)
  • Linzess (linaclotide)
    Motegrity (prucalopride)

  • Summary of Linzess vs. Motegrity

    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.

    Summary for Serotonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Motegrity (prucalopride) is used to treat long-term constipation from an unknown cause in adults. It belongs to the drug class called serotonin-4 receptor agonists, which work by stimulating your gut to move. It's taken by mouth once a day and might have interactions with many medications. Motegrity (prucalopride) might be prescribed off-label for gastroparesis when other medications are not working well. The most common side effects are headache, stomach pain, and nausea.

  • Indications of Linzess vs. Motegrity

    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
    Indications for
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Linzess vs. Motegrity

    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
    Pros and Const for Serotonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Works differently than other medications used to treat CIC
    •Stimulates your gut within 12 hours
    •Helps to normalize the number of complete bowel movements per week
    •Only taken once a day by mouth
    Cons
    •Can cause unusual changes in mood or behavior
    •Unknown if it's safe or works well in children
    •Might interact with many medications
    •Not a first-choice medication for CIC

  • Common Side Effects of Linzess vs. Motegrity

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

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

    Children:

    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19%)
    •Stomach pain (16%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Diarrhea (13%)

  • Warnings of Linzess vs. Motegrity

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior

  • Prices with our coupons for Linzess vs. Motegrity

    Learn more about Linzess
    Learn more about Motegrity

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