Linzess Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
The typical Linzess (linaclotide) dosage for adults with constipation due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is 290 mcg once daily. A lower Linzess dosage of 72 mcg once daily is recommended for adults and children ages 6 to 17 years with chronic constipation without a known cause. The adult dose can go up to 145 mcg, if needed.
It’s best to take Linzess on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. You can swallow the capsules whole or mix the contents in water or applesauce if that’s easier for you or your child.
Linzess is only available as a brand-name medication, but there are ways to save on the cost. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you get Linzess for as little as $30 per month. A patient assistance program is also available.
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Table of contents
If you have chronic constipation that’s not helped by over-the-counter laxatives, your healthcare team may recommend a medication called Linzess (linaclotide). Linzess treats chronic constipation by pulling fluid into your intestines to help move things along. It also helps reduce constipation-related pain. Linzess capsules are available in three doses: 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg (the strongest dose of Linzess).
Below, we’ll review the approved Linzess dosages for adults and children, plus information about taking it correctly. Keep in mind that your prescriber may give different directions than described below. So be sure to follow the dosing instructions you’re given.
What’s the typical Linzess dosage for adults?
The typical adult Linzess dosage depends on why you’re taking it.
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects your gut. Linzess is approved to treat IBS with constipation (IBS-C). The typical adult Linzess dosage for IBS-related constipation is 290 mcg by mouth once daily.
Chronic idiopathic constipation
Sometimes, you can have chronic constipation without a known cause. This is known as idiopathic constipation. The typical Linzess dosage for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation is 145 mcg by mouth once daily. But a lower dose of 72 mcg once daily is also an option if you can’t tolerate the higher dosage.
What’s the typical Linzess dosage for children?
Linzess is also approved for children ages 6 to 17 who have constipation without a known cause. The recommended Linzess dosage for children is 72 mcg once daily. It may be easier for some children to take Linzess if you mix the capsule in applesauce or dissolve it in water. We’ll go into more detail on how to do that in the next section.
Keep in mind that Linzess isn’t approved for children under age 6. In fact, there’s a boxed warning (the FDA’s most serious medication warning) for children under age 2. If they take Linzess, it can cause severe, life-threatening dehydration.
What’s the best way to take Linzess?
It’s best to take Linzess by mouth once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. You can take Linzess in the morning or at night, based on what works for your schedule. But try to take it at the same time every day.
You should swallow Linzess capsules whole. But if you or your child have trouble swallowing them, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto water or applesauce, as follows:
Mixing in applesauce: Mix the entire contents of the capsule in 1 teaspoon of room-temperature applesauce. Eat the mixture right away — try not to chew the medication beads.
Dissolving in water: Pour 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of room-temperature bottled water into a cup. Empty the entire contents of the capsule into the water. Gently swirl the mixture for at least 20 seconds, then drink it. Add another 30 mL of water to the cup, swirl for 20 seconds, then drink it. The medicine on the beads will dissolve into the water, but the beads themselves won’t dissolve. So it’s OK if there are beads left behind in the cup after you’ve followed these steps.
Taking through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube: Pour 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of room-temperature bottled water into a cup. Empty a capsule into the water and gently swirl for at least 20 seconds. Draw the mixture into a syringe and use steady pressure to push the liquid through the tube. Add another 30 mL of water, swirl, and administer via syringe to the tube. Then flush the tube with at least 10 mL (2 teaspoons) of plain water.
Curious about Linzess side effects? Here’s what to expect, how to manage side effects, and when to contact a professional.
How does Linzess work? Learn all about the mechanism of action of Linzess and how long it takes to start working.
IBS flare-ups: Read more about what causes them and how to prevent them.
For these methods, be sure to take the mixture right away — don’t mix it ahead of time and store it for later. Once the capsule is empty, you can throw the outer shell away.
Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?
Your body doesn’t absorb Linzess. It moves through your intestines and leaves your body in your stool. Since it isn’t processed by your liver or kidneys, you won’t need a different dose if you have kidney or liver problems.
But you may need a lower dose of Linzess if it causes severe diarrhea. This is a known side effect of Linzess. If left untreated, diarrhea can cause dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
If you develop diarrhea while taking Linzess, you can try managing it on your own by staying hydrated, taking a probiotic, or avoiding fatty or fried foods. But if it doesn’t go away or becomes severe, talk with your prescriber. They may want to lower your Linzess dose.
What happens if you miss a dose of Linzess?
Remembering to take your medication on an empty stomach can be tricky. If you forget to take Linzess, it’s best to skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Don’t double your next dose to make up for the one you missed.
If you find you keep missing doses, there are tools available to help you remember. Two popular options are medication reminder apps and pill organizers. You can also reach out to your pharmacist or prescriber for help.
What should you do if you take too much Linzess?
If you take an extra dose of Linzess by mistake, it’s not likely to be harmful. The biggest issue with taking too much Linzess is that it’s likely to cause severe diarrhea. Not only is this unpleasant, it can also lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous if not treated.
If you or a loved one takes too much Linzess, contact your prescriber or reach out to Poison Control online or by calling 1-800-222-1222.
How to save on Linzess
There are ways to save on Linzess, which is only available as a brand-name medication. GoodRx can help you navigate between copay savings cards and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $30 for Linzess using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Save with patient assistance programs. AbbVie is the manufacturer of Linzess. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for AbbVie’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.
Frequently asked questions
No, the recommended Linzess dosage is once a day, every day. Taking Linzess every other day may allow constipation symptoms to return between doses. If you’re experiencing side effects or having trouble affording your medication, talk to your prescriber for guidance. Don’t lower your dosing frequency to try to manage these issues on your own.
No, Linzess is not a controlled substance. So it doesn’t carry a risk for misuse or dependence.
There isn’t an interaction between Liness and Miralax (polyethylene glycol), but it’s best to avoid taking these medications together unless your prescriber tells you to. Since both medications treat constipation, combining them could increase the risk of diarrhea and stomach cramps. The same holds true for combining Linzess and other laxatives.
The bottom line
The typical Linzess (linaclotide) dosage for adults with constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome is 290 mcg once daily. For chronic constipation without a known cause, a Linzess dosage of 72 mcg daily is recommended for children ages 6 to 17 and up to 145 mcg daily for adults.
It’s best to take Linzess on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before eating. And the capsule can be opened and mixed with water or applesauce if you have trouble swallowing it.
Linzess doesn’t require dose adjustment for other medical conditions. But if you develop severe diarrhea while taking it, your prescriber may lower your dose.
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References
Allergan. (2023). Linzess- linaclotide capsule, gelatin coated [package insert].
Bassotti, G., et al. (2021). Chronic idiopathic constipation in adults: A review on current guidelines and emerging treatment options. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology.
Kalola, U. K., et al. (2024). Linaclotide. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Dehydration.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves first treatment for pediatric functional constipation.
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