Motegrity (Prucalopride Succinate)

Motegrity (Prucalopride) Medication Information

Uses

Motegrity is a prescription medication used to treat adults with Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC).

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) affects approximately 46 million adults in the United States.  With CIC, “chronic” means that you’ve had constipation for at least six months.  “Idiopathic” means the cause of the constipation is unknown.  CIC occurs more often in females and the risk increases with age.  CIC is also associated with low-calorie diets.  

Motegrity contains the active ingredient prucalopride and belongs to the class of drugs known as serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonists. Motegrity works by enhancing natural muscle movements in the colon (large intestine). 

Dosage

Motegrity comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day, or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Motegrity comes in two different strengths: 1 milligram (mg) and 2 mg

Precautions

Some people should not take Motegrity.  Let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bowel blockage (intestinal obstruction)
• Bowel perforation (have a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall) 
• Serious conditions of the intestinal wall such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Past allergic reaction to Motegrity

If you have certain conditions, you may have to be more carefully monitored by your doctor while taking Motegrity.  This includes:

• Depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or mood problems
• Kidney problems
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed  

Side Effects

Like all medications, Motegrity may cause side effects.  The most common, but usually mild, side effects are:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Gas
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue (lack of energy)

For more information on the side effects of Motegrity, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

There are no known significant drug interactions with Motegrity.  However, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicines or supplements when you are taking prescription medications.

Storage

Store Motegrity in its original container at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).  Don’t keep Motegrity in the bathroom where it may be affected by moisture.

Pharmacists Tips

• Motegrity should be taken around the same time each day, with or without food.
• Motegrity could possibly worsen depression or cause suicidal behavior or thoughts.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or attempts.  Your doctor may monitor you more carefully to make sure your depression doesn’t get worse. 

Motegrity FAQs

How long does Motegrity take to start working? 

Motegrity starts to work right away.  In clinical studies of Motegrity, people had their first complete bowel movement within 1 to 5 days.  But if you need quicker relief, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter laxative medicine until Motegrity starts working.

Is Motegrity a laxative?

No, Motegrity is not a laxative.  It works by enhancing natural muscle movements in the large intestine (colon).

Does Motegrity stop working after a while?

Clinical studies of Motegrity were 12 weeks (3 months) long.  Throughout the 3 months, Motegrity helped adults with CIC to have an average of 3 or more complete bowel movements per week.

Related Drugs

• Amitiza
• Linzess

References

1. Motegrity Prescribing Information.  Lexington, MA:  Shire US, Inc.;2018. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210166s000lbl.pdf Accessed December 13, 2020.
2. How it Works.  Motegrity Website.  https://www.motegrity.com/how-it-works  Accessed December 13, 2020.

Author: Dr. Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist and medical writer.  She has clinical experience in community and hospital pharmacy.  Patricia is a 2007 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.

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