You don’t have to take the capsule at the exact same time every morning (for instance, if your wake-up time varies). The important thing is to take it on an empty stomach. Instead of focusing on a time, consider making it (for example) the second or third thing you do during your morning routine. It’s generally safe to take other prescribed medications at the same time, but clear this with your doctor first. [6] X Research source Ask your doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose before eating. Never “double up” on the medication the following day if you forgot the prior day’s dose.
Don’t take Linzess with liquids other than plain water, as no testing has been done using other drinks. For safety when swallowing, it is not recommended to take Linzess or any other type of oral medication without water.
The goal is for the medication to be digested and absorbed fully before you eat. Adjust your morning routine so that taking a Linzess capsule is a normal part of your daily regimen.
No studies have been done to determine if the contents of Linzess capsules can be taken with other soft foods (for example, yogurt), so stick with applesauce or use water. As when swallowing the capsules whole, take this Linzess dose in the morning on an empty stomach, 30-120 minutes before your first meal (depending on your doctor’s recommendation). [11] X Trustworthy Source Michigan Medicine The University of Michigan’s medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Each Linzess capsule is filled with small, medically-inert beads that are coated by the actual medication. Do your best to make sure every single bead falls into the applesauce. Do not stir the beads into the applesauce. Just leave them sprinkled on top.
Never prepare a dose of Linzess in applesauce ahead of time. Pour the beads onto the applesauce only when you’re ready to take it right away.
Use this method only if: you cannot take a whole capsule orally with water; and, you cannot (or choose not) to take the capsule contents with applesauce. Like with any other method of taking Linzess, follow this dosing procedure once daily on an empty stomach, 30-120 minutes before eating.
In this case, the goal is to dissolve the medicated coating from the medically-inert beads into the water. You won’t be able to see this happen, so simply focus on stirring for the recommended amount of time.
The average person should have no problem gulping down 2 tbsp (30 ml) of water all at once.
Do not add additional medication! If you still have a few beads in the cup after this second go-round, simply discard them. All the medication will have dissolved off of the beads by this point.
Linzess is not a traditional laxative. It should, however, accelerate your bowel movements, and it may help calm the pain-sensing nerves that cause abdominal discomfort. [20] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source The “idiopathic” in CIC means that you have chronic constipation due to an undetermined cause. [21] X Research source
Children under age 18. Linzess is not recommended for any child, but it’s particularly important that kids under 6 not take it. It can cause severe diarrhea and rapid dehydration in young children. Pregnant or nursing women. It’s not clear whether the medication can be transmitted in dangerous amounts to a fetus or nursing child, but women in these categories should consider the risks very carefully. People with bowel blockages. A bowel blockage is a physical or functional blockage that prevents contents from passing through the small or large intestines. Such blockages must be cleared by other medical means and under a doctor’s direction before Linzess can be considered. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Linzess can also cause internal bleeding in rare cases. If you produce stools with red blood or a black tarry substance in them, stop taking the medication right away. Call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical assistance. [23] X Research source Other possible side effects include bloating, flatulence, and headaches. [24] X Research source
290 mcg capsules once daily: patients with IBS-C. 145 mcg or 72 mcg capsules once daily: patients with CIC.
For the safety of children and pets, make sure the child safety cap is secure on the bottle, and make sure your storage spot is out of reach. Add a lock to the cupboard door if needed. Linzess should be stored between 68–77 °F (20–25 °C) and at roughly 50% relative humidity.
