Cisapride
About Cisapride
Cisapride is a GI medicine primarily used to treat the disorders associated with reduced gastrointestinal motility. It is used in the treatment of nighttime heartburn, which mostly occurs due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
Cisapride contains Cisapride, which belongs to the class of gastroprokinetic agents. It works by increasing the release of certain chemicals, which helps improve food movement inside the intestine. Thus, gastric emptying of liquid and solid from the intestine increases.
Cisapride may cause certain side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), unusual tiredness and weakness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, if these side effects persist for a longer period, talk to your doctor. Cisapride should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose of medicine, nor skip it. However, if you miss a dose of Cisapride, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, but do not double it.
Cisapride should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver/kidney disease, intestinal bleeding, heart disease, lung disease, irregular heartbeat, abnormal ECG, persistent vomiting, low potassium/magnesium levels, and anorexia (eating disorder) before taking Cisapride. Avoid driving and operating machines, as it can make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Cisapride is not recommended for use in children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking while on treatment with Cisapride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate stomach acid production. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride.
Uses of Cisapride
Medicinal Benefits
Cisapride contains Cisapride, which belongs to the class of gastroprokinetic agents. It works by increasing the release of certain chemicals, which helps improve food movement inside the intestine. Thus, gastric emptying of liquid and solid from the intestine increases.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cisapride
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal cramps
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness
Drug Warnings
Cisapride should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver/kidney disease, intestinal bleeding, heart disease, lung disease, irregular heartbeat, abnormal ECG, persistent vomiting, low potassium/magnesium levels, and anorexia (eating disorder) before taking Cisapride. Avoid driving and operating machines, as it can make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Cisapride is not recommended for use in children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking while on treatment with Cisapride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate stomach acid production. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride. This should be taken with caution in elderly patients as they are more prone to adverse effects of the Cisapride so dose adjustment might be required.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cisapride may have interaction with antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole, itraconazole), anti-malarial (quinine), heart medicines (amiodarone), anti-psychotic (haloperidol, sertindole), antihistamine (terfenadine, promethazine), antiviral drugs (indinavir, ritonavir), antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine, sotalol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid smoking, grapefruit juice, and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cisapride may have interactions with liver, kidney, or heart disorders, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, and irregular heartbeats.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Cisapride. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeCisapride may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Hence, avoid driving and operating machines during the treatment or unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Cisapride. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeCisapride is not recommended for use in children as safety and efficacy has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
- Maintain a healthy weight by regular exercising.
- Avoid lying down after eating to prevent acid reflux.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes as it might increase the pressure on the abdomen, leading to acid reflux.
- Practice relaxation techniques and avoid stress by doing yoga or meditation.
- Avoid foods such as high-fat, spicy chocolates, citrus fruits, pineapple, tomato, onion, garlic, tea and soda.
- Avoid sitting continuously, as it may trigger acidity. Take a break of 5 minutes every hour by brisk walking or stretching.
Special Advise
- Close monitoring of heart functions is required if you have any heart disease and are taking Cisapride.
- Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice and alcohol while taking Cisapride.
- Stop taking Cisapride if you feel dizzy or have an irregular heartbeat.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The stomach is usually protected from acid by a mucous layer. In some cases, the mucous layer gets eroded due to excess acid production, which leads to complications like acidity, GERD, heartburn, peptic ulcer, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn.
FAQs
Cisapride is used to treat Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Heartburn.
Cisapride contains Cisapride, which belongs to the class of gastroprokinetic agents. It works by increasing the release of certain chemicals, which helps improve food movement inside the intestine. Thus, gastric emptying of liquid and solid from the intestine increases.
Avoid or limit the consumption of alcohol while taking Cisapride as it may lead to increased dizziness. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better even after taking Cisapride for 14 days. Do not take Cisapride for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. A regular check-up is advised if Cisapride is prescribed for longer durations.
Swallow Cisapride as a whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break or chew it. It can be taken with or without food as advised by the doctor.
India's central government banned cisapride as it may increase the risk of severe heart rhythm disorders (cardiac arrhythmia).
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing acid reflux, this irritates the food pipe and leads to heartburn.
The common side effects of Cisapride may include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, dry mouth, abdominal pain, headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), unusual tiredness and weakness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, if these side effects persist for a longer period, talk to your doctor.
