Uses
Prucalopride is used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC; difficult or infrequent passage of stools that lasts for 3 months or longer and is not caused by a disease or a medication). Prucalopride is in a class of medications called serotonin receptor agonists. It works by increasing the movement of waste through the bowel.
Side Effects Of Prucalopride
Prucalopride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- stomach pain
- nausea
- diarrhea
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, stop taking prucalopride and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
Prucalopride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking prucalopride:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to prucalopride, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in prucalopride tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have a hole or blockage in your stomach or intestines or an inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract such as Crohn’s disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever), ulcerative colitis (a condition that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the large intestine), or toxic megacolon or megarectum (life-threatening widening of the intestine or rectum). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take prucalopride.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so), or other mood problems, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking prucalopride, call your doctor.
- you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways during treatment with prucalopride. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following new symptoms or a worsening of these symptoms: depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; or changes in mood or behavior. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows these symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Prucalopride Dosage
Prucalopride comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take prucalopride at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take prucalopride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
