Constella® Capsules for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation

Constella® is a prescription capsule used for adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation. It helps increase stool frequency and ease abdominal discomfort. If you are comparing access options, many patients look for Constella without insurance, with US delivery from Canada, and this page explains the essentials so you can plan next steps with your prescriber.

What Constella Is and How It Works

This medicine contains linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase-C agonist. It acts locally in the gut and has minimal systemic absorption. At a high level, Linaclotide mechanism of action involves activating GC-C receptors on the intestinal lining. That increases cyclic GMP, draws fluid into the bowel, accelerates transit, and may reduce pain signaling in the intestines.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Because this treatment is not absorbed to a meaningful degree, traditional drug interactions are uncommon. Diarrhea can occur, which may influence absorption of other oral medicines. Use it exactly as prescribed and review the official product monograph for complete details.

Learn more about the condition at our Irritable Bowel Syndrome hub.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with IBS-C and for adults with chronic idiopathic constipation when lifestyle measures alone are not enough. It should not be used in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction.

Children under 6 years must not take this medicine. Use in those 6 to 17 years is not recommended due to dehydration risk. Adults with severe diarrhea or dehydration should pause and contact a prescriber. One common search term is Constella for IBS-C, but appropriateness depends on your clinical history and a clinician’s judgment.

For broader background on constipation treatments, see Chronic Constipation.

Dosage and Usage

Take the capsules once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal. Swallow whole with water. Do not crush or chew the capsules. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, talk to your prescriber about approved administration methods from the official label.

A standard approach is one daily dose for IBS-C and a different daily dose for chronic idiopathic constipation. The exact strength and schedule come from your prescriber. Follow the product monograph for specifics and do not change your dose on your own. Many patients ask about How to take Constella; the short answer is consistently, on an empty stomach, and as directed by your healthcare professional.

For related gut therapies, browse our Gastrointestinal category.

Strengths and Forms

Capsules are supplied in commonly published strengths for adult use. In Canada, the presentations typically include 145 mcg and 290 mcg capsules. Availability may vary by partner pharmacy and inventory. Check the product listing for current options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time the following day. Do not double up to make up for a missed capsule. Try to take it before your first meal to maintain consistency. If severe diarrhea develops, hold the medicine and contact your prescriber.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep capsules at room temperature in the original blister pack to protect from moisture. Store out of reach of children and pets. Do not remove capsules from blisters until you are ready to take one. Avoid storing in bathrooms or other high-humidity areas.

When you travel, carry your medicine in your hand luggage along with your prescription label. Keep it in original packaging for security checks. If crossing borders, bring a copy of your prescription and a current medication list. As a general safety note, encrypted checkout protects your information when you order refills online.

Benefits

This treatment can increase bowel movement frequency and soften stools. It may help reduce abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS-C. Once-daily dosing supports routine use. Because absorption is minimal, systemic effects are limited for most patients, though diarrhea is still possible.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Gas and bloating
• Nausea
• Headache

Diarrhea is the most common effect and can sometimes be severe. Stop the medicine and speak with a prescriber if you experience severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or persistent abdominal pain. Do not use in known or suspected mechanical GI obstruction. This therapy is not for children under 6 years. For a quick reference, some patients search for Constella side effects; always rely on the official label for complete safety information.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Because the medicine acts locally in the GI tract, classic drug–drug interactions are not common. However, severe diarrhea may affect the absorption of other oral medicines such as contraceptives or narrow-therapeutic-index drugs. Discuss your full medication list, including supplements and laxatives, with your prescriber.

Use caution if you have a history of dehydration. Do not start if you have a known or suspected blockage in the intestines. For additional context on prokinetic options, see our explainer on Resotran Medication.

What to Expect Over Time

Some people notice changes in stool consistency and frequency as they take the capsules consistently. Abdominal discomfort may lessen as transit normalizes. Individual responses vary. Keep a simple symptom diary to share at follow-up visits. That helps your prescriber decide whether to continue, adjust timing, or consider a different approach.

If you live with IBS, stress management and diet changes may complement prescription therapy. Our overview on the mind–gut link offers useful context: Gut Brain Connection.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options exist for IBS-C and constipation. Plecanatide works similarly within the intestinal lumen and may be considered if you need an alternative. See Trulance for details. Antispasmodics can help cramping in some IBS patients; discuss whether Dicyclomine Hcl fits your plan. For people comparing therapies by class or response, a discussion with your prescriber is the best next step. Patients sometimes look up Constella vs Linzess; your clinician can explain similarities and differences based on your symptoms and goals.

Pricing and Access

We list transparent pricing on the product page so you can plan self-pay options. If you are comparing Linaclotide price across sources, remember listings can vary by strength and pack size. Our partners dispense from Canada with pharmacist oversight. We also support US shipping from Canada for eligible addresses.

You can check current pricing, verify what quantity fits your prescription, and place an order when ready. See our Promotions page for any current offers. For country-of-origin details, visit Canada. If you have coverage, consult your insurer about out-of-network reimbursement for mail-order pharmacy services.

For a comparison of prokinetic approaches, you may find this helpful read: Resotran Vs Motegrity.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a particular pack size is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative option in the same therapeutic class or a different strategy based on your symptoms and history. We cannot guarantee restock dates.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who have IBS-C or chronic idiopathic constipation and need more than dietary measures alone. It is not appropriate for children under 6 or patients with known or suspected GI obstruction. People prone to dehydration should use extra caution and speak with a prescriber if diarrhea occurs.

• Multi-month fills: ordering larger quantities can reduce per-unit costs
• Refill planning: set reminders so you never run out during travel
• Prescription clarity: ensure the correct strength and quantity are on the script
• Clinician follow-up: schedule check-ins to assess response and tolerability
• Travel prep: keep your medicine in original packaging for security checks

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this treatment appropriate for my IBS-C or CIC symptoms?
• Which dose should I start with, and when should we reassess?
• What should I do if I experience persistent or severe diarrhea?
• Could other medicines I take be affected if diarrhea occurs?
• Are diet or lifestyle changes recommended alongside this therapy?
• If this option is not suitable, which alternatives would you consider next?

Authoritative Sources

• Health Canada Drug Product Database
• Manufacturer Information (Allergan/AbbVie)
• FDA DailyMed (U.S. label for linaclotide)

Ready to proceed? Place your order with prompt, express shipping. Ships from Canada to US. All prescriptions are reviewed before dispensing, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This content is educational and does not replace your prescriber’s advice.