Everything about Prucalopride, a pill used for chronic constipation, in simple terms

Sometimes you may have a hard time getting a bowel movement after a few days. Prucalopride is a special medicine that doctors recommend for this condition called chronic constipation. It is available in Sri Lanka under the brand name Motegrity. So, if you have been prescribed this medicine, it is very important to be aware of it. Let us talk about this in a little more detail and very simply today.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this drug called Prucalopride stimulates the activity of our intestines. Think of it like giving a little "push" or push to the muscles in our intestines. This push makes it easier for stool to move through the intestines, and bowel movements begin to occur normally. This is the basic process of this drug.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

This is very important. It is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, do not hide anything and tell your doctor.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this Prucalopride medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If a doctor has told you that you have a blockage in your bowel.
• If you have a serious intestinal condition such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis .
• If you have a condition called diverticulitis .
• If you have any kidney disease or are on dialysis .
• In addition to this, if you have any other serious stomach or intestinal disease .
• This is very important: If you or anyone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, attempts, or depression in the past, it is important to mention it.
• If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding .

How exactly do you use this medicine?

• This pill should be taken orally. Drink it with a full glass of water.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. When you make this a habit, you are less likely to forget to take your medicine.
• You can take it before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Continue using this until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop suddenly, even if you feel better.
• If you accidentally take an overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Do not share this medicine with others!

This is very important. The doctor has prescribed this medicine after considering your medical condition, age, and other factors. Therefore, do not give your medicine to anyone else for any reason .

Things to be especially careful about when taking this medicine:

This is a bit sensitive, but it's something we need to talk about. When using this medication, some people may experience mental health effects.

In particular, pay close attention to any sudden changes in your feelings, behavior, or thoughts .

• If you feel sad or depressed.
• If you suddenly become angry or agitated.
• If you have thoughts of being bored with life or suicidal thoughts .

These changes are most common when you first start taking the medication or after changing the dosage. But they can happen at any time. If you or your family member notices even the slightest change, talk to your doctor right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Prucalopride can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these down into two categories.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.

How do you protect your medicine?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Never use expired medicine .
• If you need to get rid of unused or expired medications, the best thing to do is ask your doctor about it. Sometimes you can drop them off at the hospital pharmacy. If that's not possible, crush the pills, mix them with used coffee grounds, some soil, or cat litter, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash.

Prucalopride, constipation, chronic constipation, stomach upset, Motegrity, medication, side effects, intestinal diseases