Effects of prucalopride on colonic transit, anorectal function and bowel habits in patients with chronic constipation.
BACKGROUND
There is a need for better tolerated drugs to normalize bowel function in chronic constipation. Prucalopride is a highly selective, specific, serotonin4 receptor agonist with enterokinetic properties.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of prucalopride on bowel function, colonic transit and anorectal function in patients with chronic constipation.


METHODS
Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study (prucalopride: 1 mg, n=12; 2 mg, n=16). Patients kept a bowel function diary. Colonic transit times and anorectal function (anal manometry, rectal sensitivity and rectal compliance) were assessed.


RESULTS
Prucalopride (1 mg) compared to placebo significantly increased the mean number of spontaneous complete, spontaneous and all bowel movements per week. Prucalopride (1 mg) significantly decreased the percentage of bowel movements with hard/lumpy stools and straining and increased the urge to defecate. Prucalopride (1 and 2 mg) decreased the mean total colonic transit time by 12.0 h (prucalopride 42.8 h vs. placebo 54.8 h; P=0.074). No statistically significant effects were found in any of the anorectal function parameters. Prucalopride was well tolerated. There were no clinically relevant changes in standard safety parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Prucalopride significantly improves stool frequency and consistency, and the urge to defecate, and may decrease colonic transit times in patients with chronic constipation.
Sloots
C E J
CE
Department of Gastroenterology, Academic Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Poen
A C
AC
Kerstens
R
R
Stevens
M
M
De Pauw
M
M
Van Oene
J C
JC
Meuwissen
S G M
SG
Felt-Bersma
R J F
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003672:Defecation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001572:Benzofurans; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C406662:prucalopride