Ibsrela (tenapanor) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults. Ibsrela comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken twice per day.

Ibsrela belongs to a drug class called sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 inhibitors. Ibsrela is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Ibsrela, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Ibsrela, see this article.

Note: This article describes the typical dosage for Ibsrela provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Ibsrela, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Read below for the recommended dosage of Ibsrela and other details about the drug.

Ibsrela form

Ibsrela comes as an oral tablet.

Ibsrela strength

Ibsrela comes in one strength of 50 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosage

The following information describes the dosage that is commonly prescribed or recommended to adults. However, be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for IBS-C

Doctors may prescribe Ibsrela to treat IBS-C.

If your doctor prescribes Ibsrela for your IBS-C, your starting dosage will likely be 50 mg, taken twice per day. This is the typical recommended dosage of Ibsrela IBS-C. This is also the maximum dose of Ibsrela that’s recommended.

For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Ibsrela is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Ibsrela is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Before you start taking Ibsrela, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Ibsrela comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. The drug’s prescribing information doesn’t specify whether the tablets can be crushed, chewed, or split.

Be sure to take your dose twice per day. You’ll typically take your first dose right before breakfast or your first meal of the day. Then, you’ll take your second dose right before dinner.

If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have questions about how to take Ibsrela, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having difficulty opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Ibsrela in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Ibsrela, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you have questions about a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Ibsrela than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Effects of an overdose

Overdose effects of Ibsrela can include diarrhea, which may be mild to severe. In some cases, severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. (Ibsrela has a boxed warning for the risk of dehydration in children. For more information about this boxed warning and other serious side effects of Ibsrela, see this article.)

If you take more than the recommended amount of Ibsrela

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Ibsrela. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Ibsrela.

Is the dosage of Ibsrela similar to the dosage of Linzess?

No, the dosages of Ibsrela and Linzess (linaclotide) are not similar. Ibsrela is an oral tablet typically taken twice per day, while Linzess is an oral capsule typically taken once per day.

In addition, these drugs contain different active ingredients. For this reason, the dose in milligrams will be different.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor. For more details about the dosage of Linzess, see this article.

How long does it take for Ibsrela to start working?

Ibsrela starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body right away. However, certain symptoms may begin to ease over time, including abdominal pain and constipation.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Ibsrela treatment. They’ll monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Ibsrela for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Ibsrela without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Ibsrela that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Ibsrela. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Ibsrela: For information about other aspects of Ibsrela, refer to this article.
  • Side effects: To learn about side effects of Ibsrela, see this article. You can also look at the Ibsrela prescribing information.
  • Details about your condition: For details about IBS-C, see our IBS hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.