Overview
Prucalopride is a selective serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It enhances colonic motility by stimulating high amplitude propagating contractions and reducing colonic transit time. The drug is generally well-tolerated with a favorable cardiac safety profile.
Mechanism of Action
Prucalopride is a selective serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist that enhances colonic motility by stimulating high amplitude propagating contractions (HAPCs) and reducing colonic transit time. It does not affect colonic phasic activity and has minimal impact on cardiac electrophysiology.
Indications
- Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
Common Doses
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
Dosage
Adults: 2 mg once daily orally, with or without food. Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCL <30 mL/min): 1 mg once daily.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to prucalopride or any component
- Intestinal perforation or obstruction
- Obstructive ileus
- Severe inflammatory intestinal conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon/megarectum)
Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hypersensitivity reactions (dyspnea, rash, pruritus, urticaria, facial edema)
Interactions
- No significant drug-drug interactions identified in clinical studies
- May be taken with or without food
Counseling Points
- Take once daily with or without food
- May take several days to achieve full effect
- Report severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or signs of allergic reaction
- Inform healthcare provider of renal impairment
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice