PRUCANETIC 2 MG (Prucalopride)

Prescription Medicine — 20 Film-Coated Tablets

Medical Description

PRUCANETIC 2 MG contains prucalopride, a selective serotonin type 4 (5-HT₄) receptor agonist used for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults. It works by stimulating intestinal motility, helping promote bowel movements and improve bowel function in patients with persistent constipation.

Indications and Benefits

• Chronic idiopathic constipation: Indicated for adults with persistent constipation that is not attributable to an identifiable underlying cause.
• Improved bowel movement frequency: Helps increase the frequency of spontaneous bowel movements.
• Enhanced intestinal motility: Promotes the coordinated movement of intestinal contents through the colon.
• Constipation symptom relief: May help reduce straining and improve bowel evacuation in patients who respond to treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Prucalopride selectively activates serotonin 5-HT₄ receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. This stimulates enteric nerve signaling and enhances colonic motility, promoting intestinal transit and facilitating bowel movements. Unlike conventional laxatives that primarily affect stool consistency or intestinal fluid content, prucalopride acts mainly by improving gastrointestinal motility.

Dosage and Directions for Use

• Usual adult dose: 2 mg once daily, as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Severe renal impairment: The recommended dose is generally reduced to 1 mg once daily when creatinine clearance is below 30 mL/min.
• Elderly patients and patients with other significant medical conditions may require individualized dosing.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

Possible Side Effects

Common adverse effects include:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal distension and flatulence.
• Dizziness and fatigue.
• Vomiting in some patients.

Important warning: New or worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts have been reported. Stop taking the medicine and seek prompt medical advice if these symptoms occur. Seek emergency assistance if there is an immediate risk of self-harm.

Contraindications and Precautions

Prucalopride should not be used in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to prucalopride or any component of the product.
• Intestinal perforation or obstruction, including obstruction caused by structural or functional disorders of the intestinal wall.
• Obstructive ileus.
• Severe inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as severe Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon/megarectum.

Additional precautions:

• Inform your healthcare professional about any history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other significant psychiatric conditions.
• Consult a doctor before use if you have severe kidney or liver impairment.
• Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, particularly those that may affect intestinal motility or cause diarrhea.
• Seek medical assessment if constipation is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, or inability to pass gas.
• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Storage

• Store at room temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.

References

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine — DailyMed: Prucalopride prescribing information. Official drug labeling, indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Motegrity (prucalopride) Patient Information. Patient safety information and precautions.
3. NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service: Choosing a prokinetic medicine for impaired gastrointestinal motility. Clinical considerations for prokinetic medicines.