Prucalopride helps relieve constipation.
It belongs to a group of gut motility-enhancing medicines. This medicine acts on the muscle wall of the gut, helping restore the normal function of the bowel.
Take Prucalopride exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- hole or obstruction in the gut wall
- blocked bowel
- Crohn's disease (a long-term inflammatory disease of the digestive tract that usually affects the small intestine and colon)
- ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
- toxic megacolon (widening of the large intestines caused by complications of infection or inflammation)
- kidney disease undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps individuals with kidney failure to filter toxic substances from the blood)
as Prucalopride may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heartbeat)
- lung disease
- cancer
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- mental health problems
- kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Prucalopride. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
What lifestyle changes can I make to prevent constipation?
You can adopt some of the following lifestyle changes to help prevent constipation:
- Include high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grain cereals, and bread in your diet. Add fibre to your diet gradually to help reduce gas and bloating.
- Drink plenty of liquids. Limit caffeine intake, which may worsen symptoms of constipation by causing dehydration.
- Be active and exercise regularly.
- Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
Prucalopride may cause dizziness or tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach wind, indigestion, and stomach pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe diarrhoea
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in behaviour (being too depressed, aggressive, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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