Prucalopride for constipation.
BACKGROUND
Chronic constipation has a high prevalence, and current medical and pharmacological therapies do not restore normal bowel function in all patients.


METHODS
A PubMed search (1965 - 2009) using the following terms alone or in combination: prucalopride, 5-HT(4), R093877, safety, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, transit, cardiac, hERG, arrhythmia, potassium current, elderly.


RESULTS
Understanding of the mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy and indications for prucalopride in patients with chronic constipation.


CONCLUSIONS
Prucalopride is an efficacious and generally safe, new therapeutic option in the management of chronic constipation.
Camilleri
Michael
M
Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.), College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-110, 200 First St S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA. camilleri.michael@mayo.edu
Deiteren
Annemie
A
D000368:Aged; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003672:Defecation; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
D001572:Benzofurans; D054368:Laxatives; C406662:prucalopride; D012701:Serotonin