Plecanatide
Plecanatide is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).
Plecanatide is a prescription medication that treats chronic constipation by mimicking a natural gut hormone to increase intestinal fluid secretion and improve bowel regularity.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A06AX07
- RxNorm
- 1873752
- Generic
- Plecanatide
- Class
- atc-a06
- Brands
- Trulance
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Plecanatide is FDA-approved for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in adults and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults.
Plecanatide is a structural analog of human uroguanylin. It acts as a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist, binding to GC-C receptors on the luminal surface of the intestinal epithelium. This locally increases fluid secretion in the gut, accelerating intestinal transit and softening stool to promote bowel movements.
Plecanatide is taken orally once daily, with or without food. The most common side effect is diarrhea. Patients should discontinue use and seek medical attention if severe diarrhea occurs. It is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction. Efficacy and safety in pediatric patients have not been established.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy