Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
03:50
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
3.6K
Two randomized trials of linaclotide for chronic constipation
Anthony J Lembo1, Harvey A Schneier, Steven J Shiff
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
The New England Journal of Medicine
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Linaclotide effectively treats chronic constipation by increasing bowel movements and reducing abdominal pain. Diarrhea was the main side effect, but overall safety was comparable to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Linaclotide is a peptide agonist targeting the guanylate cyclase C receptor.
- It is minimally absorbed and investigated for chronic constipation treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of linaclotide in patients suffering from chronic constipation.
- Two clinical trials were conducted to assess treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Two randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled trials involved 1276 patients.
- Participants received daily placebo, 145 μg, or 290 μg of linaclotide.
- Primary endpoint: ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) weekly for ≥9 weeks.
Main Results:
- Linaclotide significantly increased CSBMs compared to placebo (P<0.01).
- Both linaclotide doses showed greater improvements in secondary endpoints.
- Diarrhea occurred in 4.2% of linaclotide recipients, leading to discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- Linaclotide demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing bowel and abdominal symptoms in chronic constipation patients.
- Further research is necessary to ascertain long-term safety and benefits.
- Trials were funded by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Forest Research Institute.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
907
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
907
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
1.6K
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
1.6K
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
1.0K
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
1.0K
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
854
Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Adsorbents...
854
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
1.0K
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
1.0K
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
1.4K
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.4K