Motegrity (prucalopride) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. Motegrity comes as a tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Motegrity belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin (5-HT4) receptor agonists. Motegrity is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Motegrity, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Motegrity, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Motegrity provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Motegrity, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Motegrity’s recommended dosage.

Motegrity form

Motegrity comes as an oral tablet.

Motegrity strengths

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

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for chronic idiopathic constipation

Motegrity is prescribed to treat chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. The recommended dosage is 2 mg once per day. This is also the maximum recommended dosage.

If you have severe kidney disease, the recommended dosage is 1 mg once per day. Motegrity is not recommended for people with end stage kidney disease who need dialysis.

Long-term treatment

If you and your doctor determine that Motegrity is safe and effective for you, you may take the drug long term.

Before you start taking Motegrity, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.

Motegrity comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole. You may take your dose with or without food.

It may be helpful to take Motegrity around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Motegrity can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Motegrity in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Motegrity, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you don’t take more Motegrity than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Motegrity can include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

If you take more than the recommended amount of Motegrity

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Motegrity. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Motegrity.

How long does it take for Motegrity to start working?

Motegrity starts to work after your first dose. You’ll likely have a bowel movement within a few days after taking the drug.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working well to treat your condition.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Motegrity treatment.

Can Motegrity be used for gastroparesis? If so, what’s the dosage?

In some cases, Motegrity may be prescribed off-label for gastroparesis. (Gastroparesis occurs when your stomach empties too slowly.) With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for.

In one study, Motegrity helped move food through the stomach faster and improved the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Because Motegrity isn’t approved for gastroparesis, the drug’s manufacturer doesn’t provide recommended dosages for this use. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

If you’d like to learn more about Motegrity for gastroparesis, talk with your doctor.

What is the recommended maximum dosage of Motegrity?

The maximum dosage of Motegrity that’s recommended is 2 mg once per day. For details about Motegrity dosages, see the “Motegrity dosage” section above.

If you have questions or concerns about your dosage of Motegrity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not increase your dosage unless your doctor recommends doing so.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Motegrity for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Motegrity without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Motegrity that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Motegrity. These additional articles might be helpful:

  • More about Motegrity: For information about other aspects of Motegrity, refer to this article.
  • Side effects: To learn about side effects of Motegrity, see this article. You can also look at the Motegrity prescribing information.
  • Drug comparison: To find out how Motegrity compares with Amitiza, read this article.
  • Cost: If you’d like to learn about Motegrity and cost, see this article.
  • Details about constipation: For details about constipation, see our list of constipation articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.