Prucalopride
Indications
Prucalopride is used to treat long-term (chronic) constipation in adults when ordinary laxatives have not given enough relief.
How It Works
Prucalopride stimulates serotonin 5-HT4 receptors in the bowel wall. This strengthens the natural muscle movements of the bowel, so stool moves along faster and bowel movements become more regular.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: 2 mg once a day.
- Adults over 65 years: start with 1 mg once a day; the doctor may increase it to 2 mg if needed.
- Severe kidney or liver problems: 1 mg once a day.
- Children and teenagers under 18 years: not recommended.
Take it at any time of day, with or without food. If there is no improvement after 4 weeks, the doctor will review whether to continue.
Interactions
Ketoconazole and other strong enzyme blockers can slightly raise Prucalopride levels. Anticholinergic medicines (such as Atropine-like drugs and some medicines for bladder or stomach cramps) may reduce its effect. If severe diarrhoea occurs, birth control pills may not work properly, so use an extra method of contraception.
Contraindications
- Allergy to prucalopride or any ingredient of the product.
- Kidney failure needing dialysis.
- A hole or blockage in the bowel, or recent bowel surgery.
- Severe inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
Side Effects
Common, mostly on the first day: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain and wind. Others: dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting and frequent urination. Uncommon: palpitations (a pounding or fast heartbeat) and shaking.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe or long-lasting diarrhoea with dizziness or fainting, chest pain or a fast irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or new or worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behaviour, or thoughts of harming yourself.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Not recommended during pregnancy; women who can become pregnant should use effective contraception while taking it. Not recommended during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Drink enough fluids, especially if you get diarrhoea. Use with care if you have heart disease or a history of heart rhythm problems. Dizziness and tiredness can affect driving, especially on the first day.
Overdose
Too much can cause headache, nausea and diarrhoea, and loss of fluids. Drink fluids and seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Selective serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist (bowel prokinetic).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Prucalopride