Uses
This medication is used to treat chronic constipation. It is used when other medications used to treat constipation (such as laxatives) have not provided relief. Prucalopride works by improving how well your stomach and intestines move food through the bowels during digestion.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking prucalopride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. The usual dose is 2 milligrams per day.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Tell your doctor if you do not get relief of constipation after 3 to 4 days. Your doctor may recommend you temporarily take additional medication (such as a stimulant laxative) along with prucalopride for fast relief of constipation. If additional medication is recommended, carefully follow your doctor's directions for use. Ask your doctor how long you should continue taking this and/or other medications for constipation.
Side Effects
Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or headache commonly occur during the first 1 to 2 days of treatment. Dizziness or tiredness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Stop taking prucalopride and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go away
- bloody diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking prucalopride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as lactose), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- diabetes
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
- kidney problems
- liver disease
- mental/mood problems
- other stomach/abdominal disorders (such as intestinal perforation/obstruction, ileus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is:
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
