In this 12-week trial, we aimed to determine the efficacy of prucalopride, a selective, high-affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine₄ receptor agonist, in patients with severe chronic constipation.

In our multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 trial, patients with severe chronic constipation (≤2 spontaneous, complete bowel movements per week) received placebo or 2 or 4 mg of prucalopride, once daily, for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients having three or more spontaneous, complete bowel movements per week, averaged over 12 weeks. Secondary efficacy end points were derived from daily diaries and validated questionnaires completed by patients. Adverse events, clinical laboratory values, and cardiovascular effects were monitored.

Efficacy was analyzed in 620 patients. The proportion of patients with three or more spontaneous, complete bowel movements per week was 30.9% of those receiving 2 mg of prucalopride and 28.4% of those receiving 4 mg of prucalopride, as compared with 12.0% in the placebo group (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Over 12 weeks, 47.3% of patients receiving 2 mg of prucalopride and 46.6% of those receiving 4 mg of prucalopride had an increase in the number of spontaneous, complete bowel movements of one or more per week, on average, as compared with 25.8% in the placebo group (P<0.001 for both comparisons). All other secondary efficacy end points, including patients' satisfaction with their bowel function and treatment and their perception of the severity of their constipation symptoms, were significantly improved with the use of 2 or 4 mg of prucalopride as compared with placebo, at week 12. The most frequent treatment-related adverse events were headache and abdominal pain. There were no significant cardiovascular effects of treatment.

Over 12 weeks, prucalopride significantly improved bowel function and reduced the severity of symptoms in patients with severe chronic constipation. Larger and longer trials are required to further assess the risks and benefits of the use of prucalopride for chronic constipation. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00483886.)