Prucalopride: what it does and who it's for

Prucalopride is a prescription medicine used mainly for chronic idiopathic constipation when laxatives don’t help. You may know it by brand names like Motegrity (US) or Resolor (EU). It works by stimulating receptors in the gut to speed up bowel movements and improve stool consistency.

How prucalopride works and who should take it

Prucalopride is a selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist. That means it helps the intestines move food and waste along more effectively. Doctors typically consider it when a person has had persistent constipation for months and standard treatments—diet changes, fiber, osmotic or stimulant laxatives—haven't worked well enough.

Adults are the usual candidates; some older adults take a lower dose. It’s not a first-line therapy for everyday constipation or a quick fix for occasional slow bowels. If you have severe abdominal pain, suspected bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease flare, or recent bowel surgery, your doctor will likely rule prucalopride out.

Practical dosing, side effects, and safety tips

Common doses are 2 mg once daily for most adults. Some people—especially older adults or those with kidney problems—may be started on 1 mg daily. Tablets come in 1 mg and 2 mg strengths. You can take it with or without food at the same time each day.

Expect results within a few days for some people, but it can take up to four weeks to see steady improvement. If you don’t notice change after a month, check with your prescriber.

Side effects are usually mild and often lessen after a few days. The most reported are headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. If you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing), or new heart symptoms, seek medical help right away.

Tell your doctor about other medicines you use, including antidepressants, heart drugs, and over-the-counter supplements. While prucalopride has fewer interactions than older prokinetic drugs, your doctor will check for any risks based on your full medication list and medical history.

Buying tips: prucalopride usually requires a prescription. Avoid unverified online sellers. Use a licensed pharmacy or a well-known telehealth service that issues real prescriptions after a proper consult. Ask your pharmacist about generic options if cost is a concern.

What to ask your doctor: How long should I try prucalopride? What dose fits my age and kidney function? Which side effects should make me stop the drug? Can I combine this with my current constipation plan (fiber, laxatives, stool softeners)? Get clear answers before you start.

Prucalopride can help when other treatments fail, but it’s not for everyone. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if it fits your situation and to make a safe, simple plan to try it.