Prucalopride Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 27, 2025.

Applies to prucalopride: oral tablet.

Common side effects of prucalopride

Some side effects of prucalopride may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• stomach pain

Less common side effects

• abnormal stomach or bowel sounds
• bloated or full feeling
• decreased appetite
• dizziness
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• passing gas
• stomach distension
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Serious side effects of prucalopride

Along with its needed effects, prucalopride may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking prucalopride:

Less common side effects

• frequent urination of small amounts of urine in the daytime
• headache, severe and throbbing

Rare side effects

• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• difficulty in speaking
• double vision
• headache
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• inability to speak
• nausea
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• slow speech
• sweating
• thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
• troubled breathing
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• redness of the skin
• swelling of the face
• tightness in the chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to prucalopride: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects included headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 19.6%), Abdominal pain (up to 16%), diarrhea (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal distention, abnormal bowel sounds, abnormal gastrointestinal sounds, dyspepsia, flatulence, rectal hemorrhage, upper abdominal pain, vomiting

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal discomfort, abdominal tenderness, epigastric discomfort, lower abdominal pain^[Ref]

Diarrhea occurred within the first week in 70% of those reporting the side effect, and usually resolved within a few days in 73% of the patients. Severe diarrhea occurred in approximately 1.3% of patients.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 24.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tremors
• Frequency not reported: Migraine^[Ref]

Headache occurred within the first 2 days in 66% of patients who reported the side effect, and usually resolved within a few days in 65% of the patients.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever/pyrexia, malaise^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Facial edema, pruritus, rash, urticaria^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Polyuria, urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pollakiuria^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
• What type of drug is Motegrity?

Further information

Prucalopride side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer