Linaclotide
Content date: 11 November 2026
Linaclotide increases bowel fluid and can relieve IBS with constipation (IBS-C), including pain. Alvotay is a registered Saudi brand; check your prescribed pack and strength.
Your next step
Check your written prescription and monitoring plan. If anything is unclear, ask your care team before changing a dose.
Get urgent help: Stop the medicine and seek urgent care for severe diarrhea with fainting or very little urine, severe new abdominal pain, or bloody or black tarry stools.
How do I use it?
- Take the prescribed strength once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. IBS-C and chronic constipation may need different strengths. Do not swap 145 and 290 microgram capsules yourself.
- Swallow intact; do not crush or chew. Ask a pharmacist before opening a capsule if swallowing is difficult. Skip a missed dose; never double it.
How do I store it?
- Follow the pack’s limit: SFDA lists Alvotay below 30°C. Keep the original bottle tightly closed, dry and away from children. Leave the drying canister inside; do not swallow it. Avoid heat and damp.
What follow-up do I need?
- Review stool consistency, pain and benefit with your clinician. Bowel movements may improve before pain. Agree when to review ineffective treatment; persistent diarrhea or dehydration may need blood tests.
Possible side effects: what to expect
- Not everyone gets side effects. Diarrhoea is most common, often starting within two weeks; persistent mild symptoms need advice.
- Severe diarrhoea affected about 2 in 100 adults in trials of 145 or 290 micrograms. If it occurs, stop treatment and seek prompt advice about rehydration; do not wait for dehydration. Fainting or very little urine needs emergency care.
Important points
- Do not use with known or suspected bowel obstruction. Diarrhea is the main adverse effect. Discuss other laxatives, pregnancy, breastfeeding and medicines that could worsen dehydration.
- This card is for adults. Children need specialist advice and the local leaflet; age approvals vary by country. Do not use an adult prescription for a child.
Brand / device: ........................ | Dose and how I take or use the medicine: ........................
Next dose: ........................ | Next blood tests: ........................
Team contact: ........................
When to get help
Stop the medicine and seek urgent care for severe diarrhea with fainting or very little urine, severe new abdominal pain, or bloody or black tarry stools.
Stop and contact your clinician promptly if severe diarrhea develops, even without dehydration. Ask for review if milder diarrhea persists or the agreed treatment trial does not help.
Related guides
Medicines for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Constipation, difficult evacuation and bowel leakage