Prucalopride – A Simple Guide to the Constipation Pill

If you’re dealing with chronic constipation and over‑the‑counter laxatives haven’t helped, you’ve probably heard doctors mention prucalopride. It’s a prescription medicine designed to boost bowel movements without the harsh cramping you sometimes get from stimulant laxatives. Below we break down what it does, how to take it, and what you might feel while on it.

How Prucalopride Works

Prucalopride belongs to a class called 5‑HT4 agonists. In plain English, it mimics a natural chemical in your gut called serotonin that tells your intestines to contract and move stool along. Think of it as a gentle tap on the “push” button in your colon.

The drug targets receptors in the lining of the large intestine. When those receptors are activated, the muscle layers contract in a coordinated wave—what doctors call peristalsis. This wave pushes stuff forward, reducing the time food spends in the colon and helping you have a regular, softer bowel movement.

Because it works directly on the gut’s own signaling system, prucalopride usually doesn’t cause the sudden, urgent urges that older stimulant laxatives can bring. That makes it a good option for people who need a steady, predictable effect.

Dosage, Safety, and Common Side Effects

The standard adult dose in most countries is one 2 mg tablet taken once daily with a glass of water. Doctors may start you on 1 mg if you’re older or have kidney problems, then move up if you tolerate it well. It’s best taken in the morning, because that fits the natural rhythm of your digestive system.

Don’t crush, chew, or split the tablet—its design ensures the drug releases at the right spot in the intestine. If you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and keep to your regular schedule.

Most people notice improvement within a week or two, but full benefits can take up to four weeks. If you don’t see any change after a month, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose or trying a different treatment.

Side effects are usually mild. The most common ones include:

• Headache
• Nausea or a feeling of fullness
• Abdominal pain or mild cramps
• Diarrhea (usually early in treatment)

These usually fade as your body gets used to the medication. If you experience severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction (like rash, itching, swelling), stop taking it and seek medical help right away.

Prucalopride isn’t for everyone. People with a history of heart rhythm problems, severe liver disease, or intestinal blockage should avoid it. Always give your doctor a full medical history, including any other meds you’re on, because prucalopride can interact with certain antidepressants and antifungal drugs.

In summary, prucalopride offers a targeted, less aggressive way to treat chronic constipation. It works by nudging your gut’s natural movement, comes in a simple once‑daily tablet, and is generally well‑tolerated. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s a fit for you, and follow the dosing instructions to get the best results without unnecessary side effects.