Prucalopride is a stimulant purgative drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in 2018 for treating chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

Prucalopride is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. Chronic idiopathic constipation is a medical condition caused by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool, which persists over an extended period without an identifiable underlying cause.

Take the Prucalopride as advised by your physician. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Prucalopride are headache, sickness, diarrhea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, dizziness, indigestion, abnormal bowel sounds, tiredness, and bloating. Some serious side effects include pounding heart, depression and suicidal thoughts.

This drug is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to it or its component. Individuals undergoing renal dialysis should avoid taking Prucalopride. Renal dialysis is a treatment for individuals with severe kidney problems, and the medication might not suit them. If you have certain gastrointestinal conditions such as perforation or obstruction of the gut wall, toxic megacolon/megarectum, or severe inflammation of the intestinal tract (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis), avoid taking this medicine with these conditions because it may worsen symptoms or lead to serious complications.

If you have severe kidney or liver disease, you should take special care and consult your doctor before using Prucalopride. Individuals under medical supervision for serious medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, nervous system or mental health problems, cancer, AIDS, or hormonal disorders should inform their doctor before using the medication. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for the pregnancy, report to your doctor before starting the treatment with this drug.

Tell your doctor immediately about all the medications you have been taking recently, including herbal and nutritional supplements, before taking Prucalopride. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Adequate hydration can help soften stools and support regular bowel movements. Include fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Regular exercise can also aid in maintaining healthy bowel function.

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2. Shire US Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Dec 2018] [Accessed on 25th August 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210166s000lbl.pdf
3. I.D. Penman, C.W. Lees, Alimentary tract and pancreatic disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 837-920.
4. KD Tripathi, Drugs for Constipation and Diarrhoea, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 721-738.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.