Linzess vs. Kristalose

• Are Linzess and Kristalose the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Linzess?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Kristalose?
• What is Linzess?
• What is Kristalose?
• What Drugs Interact with Linzess?
• What Drugs Interact with Kristalose?
• How Should Linzess Be Taken?
• How Should Kristalose Be Taken?

Linzess (linaclotide) and Kristalose (lactulose) are used to treat forms of constipation.

Linzess is specifically used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

Linzess and Kristalose belong to different drug classes. Linzess is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist and Kristalose is a synthetic disaccharide.

Common side effects of Linzess include:

• diarrhea,
• stomach/abdominal pain or discomfort,
• gas,
• bloating,
• heartburn,
• vomiting,
• headache, or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sinus pain.

Common side effects of Kristalose include:

• gas,
• abdominal cramps,
• diarrhea,
• loss of fluids,
• low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia),
• high blood levels of sodium (hypernatremia),
• nausea, and
• vomiting

Linzess (linaclotide) is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults.

Kristalose (lactulose) For Oral Solution is a synthetic disaccharide indicated for the treatment of constipation.

Linzess may interact with other drugs.

Kristalose may interact with antacids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The recommended dose of Linzess for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is 290 mcg taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. The same applies for those with chronic idiopathic constipation only the dosage is 145 mcg. Pediatric patients under the age of 17 should not take Linzess.

The usual adult dosage of Kristalose is 10 g to 20 g of lactulose daily. The dose of Kristalose may be increased to 40 g daily if necessary. Twenty-four to 48 hours may be required to produce a normal bowel movement.