Motegrity⁚ A Guide to Understanding This Medication for Chronic Constipation
Motegrity (prucalopride) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults․ This means it’s for people who have experienced constipation for at least six months, with no known cause․
This article will help you understand what Motegrity is, how it works, its potential side effects, and important precautions to consider․
How Motegrity Works⁚
Motegrity belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonists․ It works by targeting specific receptors in your colon, stimulating the natural contractions of your colon muscles (peristalsis)․ This helps move stool through your digestive system more efficiently, leading to more regular bowel movements․
Possible Side Effects⁚
Like all medications, Motegrity may cause side effects․ It’s important to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your doctor․
- Common side effects⁚
- Headache
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Fatigue
- Serious side effects⁚
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior⁚ This can include feeling sad, hopeless, or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm․ If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Motegrity and contact your doctor immediately․
- Severe allergic reactions⁚ Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, rash, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat․ Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these․
Important Precautions⁚
Before taking Motegrity, inform your doctor about any of the following⁚
* Allergies⁚ Do not take Motegrity if you are allergic to prucalopride or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication․
* Medical conditions⁚ Inform your doctor if you have a history of bowel perforation, bowel obstruction, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or any other serious intestinal conditions․
* Other medications⁚ Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Motegrity․
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding⁚ The effects of Motegrity on a developing fetus are unknown․ Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant․ Motegrity can pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding․
Additional Information⁚
* Dosage⁚ The usual recommended dose of Motegrity is 2 mg once daily․
* Storage⁚ Store Motegrity at room temperature, away from moisture and out of reach of children․
* Reporting side effects⁚ You are encouraged to report any negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA․ Visit www․fda․gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088․
Always Remember⁚
* This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice․
* Always discuss your individual needs and concerns with your doctor․
* Never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects․
By understanding Motegrity and its potential effects, you can make informed decisions about your health and treatment options․