Prucalopride 2mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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.
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.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
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.
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)
Before Using This Medicine
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.
Precautions & Cautions
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
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
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To determine appropriate dosing, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Timing: Prior to initiating therapy
Routine Monitoring
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.
Frequency: Regularly, as clinically indicated
Target: Tolerable levels
Action Threshold: Persistent or severe adverse effects may require dose reduction or discontinuation.
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.
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
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:
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 motherβs clinical need for prucalopride and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant.
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.
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
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.
Alternative Therapies
- Linaclotide (Linzess)
- Plecanatide (Trulance)
- Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
- Lactulose
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Bisacodyl
- Senna
- Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)