Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system

Plecanatide

AFDA Approved
65
Moderate Credibility
1 cited studyy · Evidence level A

Guanylate cyclase-C agonist · 16 amino acids · Brand: Trulance

FDA ApprovedPrescription Required

Plecanatide is a GC-C receptor agonist approved by the FDA for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is structurally similar to linaclotide but has a lower incidence of diarrhea.

Mechanism of Action

Activates GC-C receptors on intestinal epithelial cells, increasing cGMP and opening CFTR channels to increase luminal fluid secretion and accelerate colonic transit. Lower diarrhea rates may result from more transient receptor activation.

Benefits

  • Improves complete spontaneous bowel movements in CIC[1]
  • Reduces abdominal pain and constipation in IBS-C
  • Lower diarrhea rates than linaclotide in clinical trials
  • Once-daily oral dosing
Not Medical Advice — Research-Reported Information Only

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Plecanatide — Dosing in Published Research

Reported Routes: Oral
3 mg orally once daily for both CIC and IBS-C. Can be taken with or without food. No dose adjustment required for renal or hepatic impairment.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (less frequent than linaclotide)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Sinusitis
  • Abdominal distension
  • Flatulence

Ready to Discuss Plecanatide with a Doctor?

Plecanatide is FDA-approved and available by prescription. Licensed telehealth providers can evaluate if it's right for you.

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Approved Treatment Routing

Plecanatide in PeptideScholar's current approved-treatment dataset

Plecanatide is currently modeled on this site as an approved treatment path for: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults; irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. Brand names in the current dataset: Trulance.

Validation Note
This block reflects the site's current structured treatment data and internal routing logic. It is not a substitute for checking current prescribing, labeling, payer, or local regulatory details.

Research & Evidence

RCTAm J Gastroenterol, 2017

A Randomized Phase III Clinical Trial of Plecanatide, a Uroguanylin Analog, in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.

Plecanatide 3 mg significantly increased complete spontaneous bowel movements and improved stool consistency vs placebo in CIC patients

PMID: 28169285

References

  1. 1. A Randomized Phase III Clinical Trial of Plecanatide, a Uroguanylin Analog, in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Constipation.. Am J Gastroenterol, 2017. Plecanatide 3 mg significantly increased complete spontaneous bowel movements and improved stool consistency vs placebo in CIC patients [PMID: 28169285]

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Plecanatide FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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