Medication Profile: Prucalopride

Motegrity (Prucalopride)

Prucalopride, commercially known as Motegrity in the United States, belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin (5-HT4) receptor agonists.

Pharmacologic Category

Prucalopride is part of a category of drugs known as selective serotonin (5-HT4) receptor agonists. Other drugs in this category include tegaserod (Zelnorm).

Dosing

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

The recommended dose of Prucalopride for adults with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) is 2 mg once daily. The medication can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your dosing regimen.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Prucalopride is available as 1 mg and 2 mg tablets.

Administration Instructions

Prucalopride can be taken with or without food. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it should be taken consistently at the same time each day. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking this medication.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

As with all medications, Prucalopride may cause side effects. However, not everyone will experience them.

Headache (common)

Headaches are a common side effect of Prucalopride. They occur because the drug affects the balance of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, which can lead to head pain.

Abdominal pain (common)

Abdominal pain is a common side effect. This occurs as Prucalopride stimulates the serotonin receptors in your gut, causing increased gut movement which may result in pain.

Contraindications to Taking Prucalopride

A contraindication refers to a situation where a particular medication should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient.

Intestinal Perforation or Obstruction

Patients with a history of intestinal perforation or obstruction should not take Prucalopride. The drug works by increasing contractions in the gut, which could worsen these conditions.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Certain drugs may interact with Prucalopride, including ketoconazole (Nizoral) and erythromycin (Erythrocin). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medications.

Prucalopride in Pregnancy

While there is limited data, Prucalopride should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Prucalopride While Breastfeeding

Small amounts of Prucalopride can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Prucalopride (2 mg once daily) without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is around $385.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and changes may occur that may not be reflected here. Please discuss any concerns or questions you have about your health or medications with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

In summary, Prucalopride (Motegrity) is a selective serotonin receptor agonist used primarily in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). It comes with potential side effects, interactions, and contraindications that need to be considered in consultation with a healthcare professional. As a patient, it’s essential to stay informed and actively engaged in your healthcare decisions.
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Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.