Constella for IBS & Chronic Constipation: Does it Really Work

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort as a result of altered bowel habits or disordered defecation. One of the four clinically different subtypes of IBS is IBS-C: Irritable Bowel Syndrome with predominant constipation. There are multiple reasons behind its occurrence like excess absorption of fluids from stools in the colon; very slow movement of colon muscles; extra sensitive nerves in the intestines; and the abnormal interaction between the brain and the gut.

Chronic Constipation is a common bowel problem wherein the regular passing of stools gets difficult. An individual has bowel movements less than three times a week or has to strain during the bowel movement. The stools turn hard and lumpy leading to feelings of fullness, bloating, and abdominal pain. The condition can be caused by diabetes, poor diet, genetics, brain and spine disorders, celiac disease, hormonal imbalance, or intestinal/rectal obstruction.

For IBS-C or chronic idiopathic constipation, effective treatment is an intake of prescribed medication. One of the drugs that is commonly given for relieving constipation and managing IBS symptoms is Constella. Further, in this article, we will be learning about Constella and its effectiveness for IBS and chronic constipation. Our focus will be on Constella for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), how Constella works, how to take Constella, and Constella side effects.

What is Constella (Linaclotide)?

Constella (Linaclotide) is a brand name of a generic gastrointestinal drug named Linaclotide. The trademark is owned by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. Its marketing authorization holder is Allergan Pharmaceuticals International Ltd.

Constella is a prescription medicine containing the active ingredient Linaclotide. Linaclotide is a synthetic peptide of 14 amino acids, structurally related to the endogenous guanylin peptide family. It is an FDA-approved guanylate cyclase-c receptor agonist, indicated for therapeutic areas: irritable bowel syndrome and idiopathic chronic constipation.

Constella is available in the form of capsules of strength 72 micrograms, 145 micrograms, and 290 micrograms.

How Constella for IBS Works and for Chronic Constipation?

The active substance, Linaclotide, present in Constella when enters the gut, goes and binds to the guanylate cyclase C receptor situated on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium. After Constella attaches to this gut receptor, there are increased intracellular and extracellular concentrations of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

This leads to an increase in the secretion of fluids in the digestive tract. More fluids in the gut contribute to the loosening of the hard stools, facilitate the passing of food and waste through the digestive tract, and ultimately frequent bowel movements.

The drug even acts as a visceral analgesic. It lessens the discomfort associated with chronic constipation by reducing the sensitivity of the pain-sensing nerves in the gut.

Who Can Take Constella for IBS?

Constella (Linaclotide) can only be taken by adult patients in need of symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or those having chronic constipation.

Constella is unsafe for use by:

• Patients with suspected or diagnosed blockage in their digestive tract
• Patients being treated with other medications known to cause drug interactions with Constella
• Patients having known allergy or hypersensitivity to ingredients of Constella
• Smokers
• Patients who are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• Small children (aged less than 6 years).

To determine if Constella is the most suitable medication for an individual, consult a physician and share about the specific symptoms being experienced.

Constella Vs Other IBS Medications

There are many medications available at pharmacies for IBS treatment, like antispasmodics, laxatives, antidiarrheals, anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, and pain-relieving medicines. In general, these focus on the altering of the gut movement or managing of abdominal pain/discomfort. They have different working mechanisms.

Constella is an IBS medication that stands out among other IBS medications for relieving constipation in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. That’s because of the following reasons:

• Constella has a targeted mechanism of action on the intestinal lining. It loosens the stool by directly stimulating fluid secretion in the intestine. Other IBS medications work by relaxing smooth gut muscles or adding bulk to the stools
• Constella is primarily indicated for the treatment of IBS with predominant constipation. Whereas, other IBS medications may be prescribed for the treatment of different subtypes of IBS like mixed IBS or diarrhoea-predominant constipation
• Constella causes minimal systemic side effects as compared to other IBS medications as it acts locally in the gut.

Constella Side Effects

The use of Constella in normal doses by patients suffering from IBS and chronic constipation is generally completely safe if taken with a doctor’s prescription and as per the doctor’s directions/advice. However, side effects are still a possibility.

The commonly reported side effects are usually mild and temporary, including:

• Bloating- swelling or fullness feeling in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Passing of gas
• Diarrhea.

The potential serious side effects include:

• Severe or ongoing diarrhoea
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools
• Intense stomach ache
• Dizziness
• Increased urination or thirst
• Leg cramps or limp feeling
• Unsteady feeling
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Fluctuating mood
• Fluttering in the chest
• New or worsening abdominal pain.

This is a non-exhaustive list of side effects. If experiencing any other ill effects of using the medicine or serious side effects, take prompt medical attention from the prescribing doctor.

To avoid serious side effects, the patient should even take the following precautions:

• Take the medicine as directed by a doctor.
• If missed a dose, do not go beyond the daily recommended dosage to make up for it. 
• Do not take the drug if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing a child.
• Make sure that Constella is safe for use by informing the doctor about existing allergies, current intake of medications or supplements, and illnesses (if any). 
• Avoid driving or operating any machinery, unless you know the effect of taking Letrozole.
• Have a healthy diet, as normal, unless the doctor advises any dietary changes.

How to Take Constella for Best Results?

• Take Constella exactly as told by the prescribing doctor. If unsure about how to take Constella for easing constipation, check with the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
• The recommended dose for adults having irritable bowel syndrome with constipation is 290 mcg Constella once daily.
• The recommended dose for adults having chronic constipation is 145 mcg of Constella once a day. Some patients may be suggested for 72 mcg Constella once a day.
• If not experience any improvement in symptoms of IBS with predominant constipation after 4 weeks of the continued use of Constella, inform the prescribing doctor.

Buy Constella Online

Constella (Linaclotide) cost is variable, influenced by factors like the treatment plan- the quantity of supply, the chosen pharmacy, and the availability of a financial assistance/savings program.

To know the exact Constella cost for your purchase, speak to our experts at LifeRxPharmacyAt online pharmacies, Constella is available for purchase at the best, competitive prices. If searching for a pharmacy offering reasonably Constella price.

With an online or mail-order pharmacy like LifeRxPharmacy, you can have long-term savings on the purchase of Constella and get the medicine delivered to your home. Some Medicare plans may even cover the price of online-ordered medications like Constella.

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