Other Brands/Names

Acpulsif, Cisapride Monohydrate, Guarposid-5, Pridesia.

How It Works

Cisapride is a medication used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders by improving the function of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine during digestion. Cisapride works by releasing acetylcholine in the digestive muscles, leading to:

• Increased pressure on the ring/valve in the lower esophagus

• Reduction of stomach acid reflux into the esophagus

• Shortened transit time in the stomach

• Increased activity in the small intestine

Indications

Cisapride is used to treat:

• Heartburn in patients with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) who do not respond to other medications

• Dyspepsia

• Disorders associated with reduced gastrointestinal motility

• Chronic digestive system diseases

Contraindications

Cisapride should not be used by individuals who have:

• A history of allergy to cisapride

• Gastrointestinal issues such as bleeding, blockage, or injury to the gastrointestinal lining

• Currently taking certain antifungal medications and antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin

• A history of irregular heartbeat, heart rhythm disturbances, or other heart diseases

• Lung disease

• Dehydration or vomiting from continuous use

Side Effects

Possible side effects from taking cisapride include:

• Stomach cramps and diarrhea

• Headache

• Frequent urination

• A rare but serious allergic reaction to this medication can occur. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Rash

  • Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat)

  • Severe dizziness

  • Difficulty breathing

Types

Cisapride is available in 5 mg tablets.

Dosage

• Adults: 5-10 mg taken 3-4 times daily, with a maximum dose of 40 mg per day.
• Patients with decreased kidney function, the initial dose should be reduced from the usual dose.
• Patients with decreased liver function, the dose should be reduced to half the usual dose.

Safety

Close monitoring is required for elderly patients and those with decreased kidney or liver function. You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. It is unknown if cisapride is excreted in breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cisapride can increase the side effects of
  

  • Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers)

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants)

• It can have an opposing effect when combined with anticholinergic drugs (a type of drug that blocks acetylcholine and affect body functions. Acetylcholine is a chemical compound responsible to transfer signals between certain cells).

• Avoid taking cisapride with the following medications:

  • Antiallergics

  • Antibiotics

  • Antidepressants

  • Antifungals

  • Antinausea medications

  • Antipsychotics

• Cisapride can increase the absorption of cimetidine and ranitidine (antagonist H2 class drugs), which are used to treat excess stomach acid.

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