Cisapride

Major Uses

Cisapride is a gastrointestinal prokinetic that is most commonly used to treat conditions that compromise stomach motility and delay gastric emptying. It is used to accelerate the emptying of the stomach and the propulsion of food through the intestines by increasing peristalsis. Cisapride can also be used to manage constipation in cats.

Common Precautions

Side effects most commonly associated with Cisapride are abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cisapride should not be administered in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Cisapride may interact with other medications including anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines, and warfarin. This should be discussed with a veterinarian. Cisapride should be administered with caution in animals that are pregnant or nursing. Emergency veterinary care should be sought if an animal experiences any unusual symptoms.

Storage

Cisapride tablets should be stored in a tight, light-resistant container and kept at room temperature.

Administration

Cisapride is available in liquid and tablet form.

A typical dose range for Cisapride is 0.1 mg-0.5 mg/kg PO 2 to 3 times per day. It should be given 30 minutes before meals. Dose may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the subsequent dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular administration schedule resumed. Two doses of Cisapride should not be administered at the same time.