It is used clinically to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Its main purpose is to increase intestinal fluid secretion and accelerate transit providing relief from constipation and associated abdominal discomfort.

Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptor agonist that works locally in the intestines. It increases the secretion of chloride and bicarbonate into the intestinal lumen which helps draw water into the gut and soften stools.