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.
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 keep taking this and/or other medications for
constipation.
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.
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 breastfeeding.
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:
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
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.
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.