constipation

This infographic provides a clear breakdown of medications used for Refractory Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C). These are typically "second-line" treatments prescribed when lifestyle changes and standard over-the-counter laxatives haven't done the trick.

Here is a summary of how these different drug classes work to get things moving:

1. Secretagogues (Fluid Boosters)

These medications focus on increasing the amount of fluid in your intestines, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.

 * Lubiprostone: Acts as a Chloride (Cl^-) Channel Activator. By opening these channels, it pulls chloride into the gut, and water naturally follows.

 * Linaclotide / Plecanatide: These are Guanylate Cyclase-C Agonists. They increase levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which both increases fluid secretion and speeds up how fast food moves through the colon (transit time).

2. Prokinetic Agents

Instead of just adding water, these focus on the "pumping" action of the gut.

 * Prucalopride: This is a Selective 5\text{-HT}_4 Receptor Agonist. It targets serotonin receptors in the gut wall to stimulate the muscles, enhancing the natural contractions (peristalsis) required for a bowel movement.

3. Ion Transport Inhibitors

This is a newer approach that prevents the body from absorbing too much water back out of the waste.

 * Tenapanor: Acts as an NHE3 Inhibitor. By blocking the sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3, it reduces the absorption of sodium (Na^+) in the gut. Since water follows sodium, more water stays in the intestine to keep the stool soft.

Comparison at a Glance

| Medication | Mechanism | Primary Action |

|---|---|---|

| Lubiprostone | Chloride Channel Activator | Increases fluid secretion |

| Linaclotide | Guanylate Cyclase-C Agonist | Increases fluid & speeds up transit |

| Prucalopride | 5\text{-HT}_4 Receptor Agonist | Stimulates muscle contractions |

| Tenapanor | NHE3 Inhibitor | Retains water by blocking sodium uptake |

> Note: These are prescription-strength medications. If you're looking into these, it's usually because standard options like fiber or PEG 3350 haven't worked. They each have different side effect profiles (like nausea or diarrhea).

> 

Would you like me to look up the common side effects or typical dosages for any of these specific medications?

Here are the 1mg links for the medications mentioned in the infographic. Please note that these are prescription-only drugs and should only be used under medical supervision.

1. Lubiprostone (Chloride Channel Activator)

This is commonly used for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation and IBS-C.

 * Lubowel (Sun Pharma): 1mg Link - Lubowel 24mcg

 * Lubilax (Akumentis): 1mg Link - Lubilax 8mcg

2. Plecanatide (Guanylate Cyclase-C Agonist)

Used to increase fluid and improve motility.

 * Plecanat (Natco): 1mg Link - Plecanat 3mg

 * Plugo (Eris): 1mg Link - Plugo 3mg

3. Prucalopride (Selective 5-HT₄ Agonist)

Used when other laxatives fail to provide relief.

 * Prutop (Intas): 1mg Link - Prutop 1mg

 * Pruvict (Torrent): 1mg Link - Pruvict 2mg

4. Linaclotide (Guanylate Cyclase-C Agonist)

While less commonly found under this specific name on 1mg compared to its relative Plecanatide, it is available under several brand names in India.

 * Colozo (Samarth): 1mg Link - Colozo 145mcg

5. Tenapanor (NHE3 Inhibitor)

Tenapanor is a newer medication (brand name Ibsrela globally). In India, it is currently more common in research or hospital-specific settings and may have limited availability on general retail platforms like 1mg at this moment.

A Quick Reminder:

 * Prescription Required: You will need to upload a valid prescription from your doctor to purchase these on 1mg.

 * Side Effects: The most common side effect for this entire group of drugs is diarrhea. If it becomes severe, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Would you like me to help you compare the prices of these different brands?

Comparing these medications based on current pricing (as of early 2026) shows a significant range, primarily depending on the "newness" of the drug and the specific manufacturer.

Generally, Prucalopride is the most affordable due to high competition among Indian generic brands, while Plecanatide is currently the most expensive per tablet.

Price Comparison Table (Approx. for 10 Units)

| Medication Type | Brand Name (Manufacturer) | Approx. Price (10 Units) | Price Per Unit |

|---|---|---|---|

| Prucalopride (2mg) | Pruvict (Torrent) | ₹350 – ₹395 | ~₹35.00 |

| Prucalopride (2mg) | Pruloford (Leeford) | ₹167 | ~₹16.70 |

| Lubiprostone (24mcg) | Lubowel (Sun Pharma) | ₹365 – ₹425 | ~₹36.00 |

| Linaclotide (145mcg) | Colozo (Dr. Reddy's) | ₹480 – ₹525 | ~₹48.00 |

| Plecanatide (3mg) | Plecanat (Natco) | ₹1,250 – ₹1,395 | ~₹125.00 |

| Plecanatide (3mg) | Plectide (MSN) | ₹800 – ₹880 | ~₹80.00 |

Key Observations for Your Purchase:

 * The "Generic" Advantage: For Prucalopride, brands like Pruloford or Knoll can be up to 50–70% cheaper than the market leader (Pruvict), even though the active ingredient is identical.

 * Plecanatide Cost: This is significantly pricier than the others. If your doctor has prescribed this, it’s worth asking if a substitute like Plectide (MSN) is available, as it can save you nearly ₹400–₹500 per strip.

 * Dosage Variance: Note that Lubiprostone often comes in strips of 15 or bottles, so the total "checkout" price on 1mg might look higher than a 10-tablet strip of another medicine.

Important Note on Availability:

Tenapanor remains difficult to find on standard retail sites like 1mg in India and is usually sourced through specialized hospital pharmacies or as an import, making its price significantly higher and more variable.

Would you like me to help you find the cheapest available brand for a specific dosage prescribed by your doctor?