From the Research
No, Motegrity (prucalopride) is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription medication used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation, but it does not have abuse potential that would require it to be regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Prucalopride works as a selective serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist that enhances colonic motility by stimulating intestinal peristalsis. Unlike opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulants, Motegrity does not affect the central nervous system in ways that create euphoria or dependence.
Key Points
- Prucalopride is a prokinetic agent which works at the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4) as an agonist with greater receptor selectivity 1.
- The most frequent adverse events were headaches and problems related to the gastrointestinal tract 1.
- Prucalopride should be considered as one of the safe options for the treatment of CIC especially when previous treatments have failed 2.
- Patients should be aware that while not controlled, Motegrity still requires a prescription from a healthcare provider, and common side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
- The typical dosage for adults is 2 mg once daily, taken with or without food 2.
- If you're prescribed Motegrity, you can travel with it without special documentation required for controlled medications.
Important Considerations
- Prucalopride has been approved for treating chronic idiopathic constipation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) 1.
- Caution should be taken when using prucalopride in patients with impaired liver and renal function 1.
- Prucalopride may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives, and women of child-bearing age should use effective contraception while taking prucalopride 3.