Prucalopride 2mg Tablets

Manufacturer ANI PHARMACEUTICALS Active Ingredient Prucalopride(proo KAL oh pride) Pronunciation proo KAL oh pride
It is used to treat constipation.
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Drug Class
Prokinetic agent, Laxative
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Pharmacologic Class
Selective serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Dec 2018
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Prucalopride is a medication used to treat chronic constipation, especially when other laxatives haven't worked well. It works by helping your intestines move stool through more effectively, making it easier to have a bowel movement.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication with or without food, as directed. It's essential to continue taking this medication as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you're feeling well.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication in its original container at room temperature, in a dry place. Avoid storing it in a bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Continue to drink plenty of fluids (water, clear broths) throughout the day.
  • Maintain a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
  • Engage in regular physical activity, as exercise can help stimulate bowel movements.
  • Do not take more than the prescribed dose, as this will not improve effectiveness and may increase side effects.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: 2 mg orally once daily
Dose Range: 1 - 2 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

chronic_idiopathic_constipation: 2 mg orally once daily
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established (Safety and efficacy not established in patients <18 years of age)
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required (CrCl 50-79 mL/min)
Moderate: No dose adjustment required (CrCl 30-49 mL/min)
Severe: 1 mg orally once daily (CrCl <30 mL/min)
Dialysis: Not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis due to lack of data and potential for increased exposure.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment required
Moderate: No dose adjustment required
Severe: Not studied; use with caution or avoid

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Prucalopride is a selective, high-affinity serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist. By activating 5-HT4 receptors, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, it stimulates colonic motility, increases bowel movement frequency, and improves stool consistency. It enhances propulsive colonic motility, which is often impaired in chronic constipation.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Approximately 90%
Tmax: 2-3 hours
FoodEffect: Food does not significantly affect the rate or extent of absorption.

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 480 L
ProteinBinding: Approximately 30%
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 24 hours
Clearance: Approximately 31 L/hour (renal clearance accounts for about 2/3 of total clearance)
ExcretionRoute: Renal (primarily), Fecal
Unchanged: Approximately 60-65% (in urine)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within hours for initial effect; full therapeutic effect may take several days to weeks of consistent use.
PeakEffect: Not directly applicable as it's a chronic treatment; peak plasma concentrations reached in 2-3 hours.
DurationOfAction: Approximately 24 hours (consistent with once-daily dosing and half-life).

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Important Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction:

Rash
Hives
Itching
Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
Wheezing
Tightness in the chest or throat
Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
Unusual hoarseness
Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Additionally, inform your doctor right away if you experience new or worsening behavioral or mood changes, such as:

Depression
Thoughts of suicide

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:

Headache
Upset stomach or vomiting
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Bloating
Gas
* Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Persistent or severe diarrhea
  • New or worsening depression, anxiety, or thoughts of harming yourself (suicidal ideation)
  • Allergic reaction symptoms (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
  • Signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, decreased urination, dizziness)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel problems, such as bowel blockage, Crohn's disease, a hole in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or ulcerative colitis.
+ Kidney disease.
+ Difficulty digesting specific sugars, including lactose, glucose, or galactose, as indicated by previous medical evaluations.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain

What to Do:

In case of overdose, contact a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment is supportive.

Drug Interactions

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Moderate Interactions

  • Drugs that prolong QT interval (e.g., Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones): Theoretical risk of additive QT prolongation, though prucalopride itself has not shown significant QT prolongation at therapeutic doses.
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine, quinidine, verapamil): May increase prucalopride exposure, but generally not considered clinically significant due to prucalopride's wide therapeutic index and primary renal excretion.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Renal function (CrCl)

Rationale: To determine appropriate dosing, especially in patients with impaired renal function.

Timing: Prior to initiating therapy

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Routine Monitoring

Efficacy (bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, straining)

Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated (e.g., weekly initially, then monthly)

Target: Individualized improvement in constipation symptoms

Action Threshold: Lack of improvement after 4 weeks may warrant re-evaluation or discontinuation.

Adverse effects (headache, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea)

Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated

Target: Tolerable levels

Action Threshold: Persistent or severe adverse effects may require dose reduction or discontinuation.

Mental health status (mood changes, suicidal ideation)

Frequency: Periodically, especially if patient has a history of psychiatric disorders

Target: Stable mood, absence of suicidal thoughts

Action Threshold: New or worsening depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation should prompt immediate medical evaluation and consideration of discontinuation.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Resolution of constipation symptoms (e.g., increased bowel movement frequency, softer stools, reduced straining)
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in mood or behavior (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Use during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies have shown adverse effects at high doses, but human data are limited.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Limited human data; animal studies suggest potential for adverse effects at high doses.
Second Trimester: Limited human data.
Third Trimester: Limited human data.
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Lactation

Prucalopride is excreted into human milk. The amount of prucalopride in breast milk is low, but potential for adverse effects on the breastfed infant (e.g., diarrhea) exists. Weigh the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding against the mother’s clinical need for prucalopride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant.

Infant Risk: Low to moderate risk. Monitor infant for diarrhea.
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Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients (<18 years of age) for chronic idiopathic constipation. Not recommended for use in this population.

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Geriatric Use

No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, which may necessitate a dose adjustment (1 mg daily) if CrCl is <30 mL/min. Monitor for adverse effects.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Prucalopride is a selective 5-HT4 agonist, distinct from other laxatives, and is indicated for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults when other treatments have failed.
  • It is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being headache, nausea, and abdominal pain, which often diminish with continued use.
  • Dose adjustment is crucial for patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) to 1 mg once daily.
  • Patients should be advised to continue lifestyle modifications (hydration, fiber, exercise) alongside prucalopride therapy.
  • Although rare, monitor for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms, including depression and suicidal ideation, especially in patients with a history of such conditions.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Linaclotide (Linzess)
  • Plecanatide (Trulance)
  • Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
  • Lactulose
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
  • Bisacodyl
  • Senna
  • Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $400 - $600 per 30 tablets (2mg)
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or Tier 3 (Specialty/Non-preferred Brand)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.