LITTLE KNOWN PEPTIDES: Linaclotide · Peptide Resource Center

LITTLE KNOWN PEPTIDES: Linaclotide

❇️ Linaclotide is a prescription medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called guanylate cyclase‑C (GC‑C) agonists. It sold under brand names like Linzess.

❇️ This medicine use to treat ongoing constipation problems, including:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS‑C) in adults.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) in adults.
In some places, it also use for functional constipation (FC) in children aged 6 to 17.

❇️ Linaclotide is a man-made small protein made of 14 amino acids. It works like natural gut peptides called guanylin and uroguanylin.

The drug works mainly in the intestines and very little enters the bloodstream, so its effects are mostly local.

⚙️ Here’s how it works:

Linaclotide attaches to special receptors called GC‑C receptors on the lining of the intestines.
This activates the receptors and increases a molecule called cGMP inside and outside the intestinal cells.
Higher cGMP levels cause the intestines to release chloride and bicarbonate, which draws water into the gut.
More water in the intestines makes stools softer and helps them move faster.

1️⃣ Relieves Constipation

Softens stools and makes bowel movements easier.

Helps people with chronic constipation go to the bathroom more often.

2️⃣ Reduces Stomach Pain and Bloating

Eases cramps, bloating, and stomach discomfort, especially in IBS‑C.

Can make bowel movements less painful.

3️⃣ Works Mainly in the Gut

Acts mostly in the intestines.

Very little is absorbed into the body, so side effects are usually mild.

4️⃣ Easy to Tolerate

Most people can use it without problems.

Mild side effects like diarrhea can usually be managed by adjusting the dose.