title: Linaclotide: a novel therapy for chronic constipation and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
abstract: Chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are functional gastrointestinal disorders that significantly affect patients' quality of life. Chronic constipation and IBS are prevalent-1 2% of the US population meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS, and 1 5% meet the criteria for chronic constipation- and these conditions negatively impact the healthcare system from an economic perspective. Despite attempts at dietary modification, exercise, or use of over-the-counter medications, many patients have persistent symptoms. Alternative treatment options are limited. This article describes linaclotide (Linzess, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals/Forest Pharmaceuticals), a new, first-in-class medication for the treatment of chronic constipation and constipation-predominant IBS.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Lacy is Section Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Dr. Levenick is a Gastroenterology Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Dr. Crowell is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Lacy
authors.affiliation: Dr. Lacy is Section Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Dr. Levenick is a Gastroenterology Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Dr. Crowell is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Levenick
authors.affiliation: Dr. Lacy is Section Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Dr. Levenick is a Gastroenterology Fellow in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Dr. Crowell is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Crowell
keywords: Abdominal pain; bloating; constipation; guanylyl cyclase; irritable bowel syndrome; linaclotide