Skip to main content

Plecanatide

Generic name: plecanatide [ ple-KAN-a-tide ]
Brand name: Trulance
Dosage form: oral tablet (3 mg)
Drug class: Guanylate cyclase-C agonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 13, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is plecanatide?

Plecanatide is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation.

Plecanatide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Plecanatide side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diarrhea is a common side effect of plecanatide. Stop using plecanatide and call your doctor at once if your diarrhea is severe.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Plecanatide side effects (more detail)

Warnings

You should not use plecanatide if you have a blockage in your intestines.

Do not give plecanatide to a child younger than 6 years old. Plecanatide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use plecanatide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Avoid using plecanatide in anyone younger than 18 years old. In animal studies, plecanatide caused severe dehydration leading to death.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take plecanatide?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Swallow the tablet whole, with or without food.

If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, you may crush and mix the tablet with a spoonful of water or applesauce. Swallow this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

This tablet mixture with water may also be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube using a catheter-tipped syringe. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the tablets in their original bottle or blister pack until you are ready to take one. You may remove the packing coil from inside the pill bottle. But leave the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative inside the bottle.

Plecanatide dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

3 mg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation:

-Under Age 6 Years: Contraindicated.
-Age 6 to Under 18 Years: Not recommended.

Detailed Plecanatide dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of plecanatide is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication. A child under 6 who takes plecanatide may become severely dehydrated.

What should I avoid while taking plecanatide?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect plecanatide?

Other drugs may affect plecanatide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Plecanatide drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Trulance (plecanatide) is structurally similar to uroguanylin, which is a substance released naturally by the walls of our intestine. Just like uroguanylin, Trulance results in an increase in the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestine, a decrease in the reabsorption of sodium, and an influx of water into the intestines. Some experts believe an upset in the fluid balance within the gastrointestinal tract contributes to chronic IBS-C. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01.