Plecanatide

Guanylate Cyclase C Agonist PeptideRx: PrescriptionCompound: Approved

Also known as: Plecanatide, RDX5791, SP-304, Trulance, uroguanylin analogue

Educational Only — Not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before using any peptide.

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Summary

Plecanatide is a synthetic 16‑amino‑acid peptide analog of uroguanylin approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C). It is administered orally as a tablet.

Mechanism of Action

Activates intestinal guanylate cyclase-C receptors, increasing intracellular cGMP, which stimulates chloride and bicarbonate secretion and reduces sodium absorption, leading to increased intestinal fluid and accelerated transit.

Routes of Administration

Oral

Goals & Uses

  • Abdominal pain/discomfort reduction in IBS-CPain / Symptom ManagementModerate
  • Stool consistency improvementGastrointestinalHigh
  • Relief of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC)GastrointestinalHigh
  • Chronic Idiopathic ConstipationGastrointestinalHigh
  • Relief of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)GastrointestinalHigh
  • IBS‑C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation)GastrointestinalHigh

Contraindications

  • Known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstructionGastrointestinalHigh
  • Hypersensitivity to plecanatide or any excipientAllergic/ImmunologicHigh
  • Pediatric patients under 6 years of ageAge RelatedHigh
  • Pediatric patients <6 yearsAgeHigh

Adverse Effects

  • Abdominal distensionGastrointestinalUncommon
  • NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
  • Upper respiratory tract infectionInfectiousUncommon
  • FlatulenceGastrointestinalUncommonExcess gas in the digestive tract
  • DiarrheaGastrointestinalCommonLoose or frequent stools
  • DehydrationFluid BalanceRareLoss of body water or inadequate hydration
  • Abdominal painGastrointestinalCommonPain or discomfort in the abdomen

Drug Interactions

  • Other laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose)Moderate
  • No clinically significant drug interactions identifiedLow
  • Anticholinergic agentsLow

Population Constraints

  • PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
  • Breastfeeding womenReproductiveRelative
  • Severe diarrheaGastrointestinalRelative
  • Pediatric patients (6 to <18 years)PediatricAbsolute
  • Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
  • BreastfeedingReproductiveRelative

Regulatory Status

  • European UnionApprovedApproved: Chronic Idiopathic ConstipationApproved by EMA (Trulance) for constipation; IBS‑C indication pending.
  • United StatesApprovedApproved: Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, IBS‑CApproved by FDA in 2017 (Trulance).
  • United KingdomUnapprovedNot approved by MHRA as of knowledge cutoff.

FDA approved January 2017 for CIC; expanded approval for IBS-C in January 2018. Carries a boxed warning contraindicating use in pediatric patients under 6 years due to risk of serious dehydration. Not approved in EU or UK as of knowledge cutoff.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plecanatide?

Plecanatide is a synthetic 16‑amino‑acid peptide analog of uroguanylin approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‑C). It is administered orally as a tablet.

What is Plecanatide used for?

Plecanatide is educationally associated with: Abdominal pain/discomfort reduction in IBS-C, Stool consistency improvement, Relief of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, Relief of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), IBS‑C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation). Educational only — not medical advice.

How is Plecanatide administered?

Recorded routes of administration: Oral.

What are the potential side effects of Plecanatide?

Reported adverse effects include: Abdominal distension, Nausea, Upper respiratory tract infection, Flatulence, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Abdominal pain. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.

Who should avoid Plecanatide?

Recorded contraindications: Known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction, Hypersensitivity to plecanatide or any excipient, Pediatric patients under 6 years of age, Pediatric patients <6 years. Consult a qualified clinician before use.