Cisapride is medicine which is used in the treatment of acid reflux disease or heartburn. Cisapride in general used when therapy with other drugs is ineffective. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Cisapride is a digestive tract stimulant. This drug works by increasing the speed of movement of the digestive tract and strengthening the valve in the esophagus that leads to the stomach. That way, the risk of rising stomach contents into the esophagus will be reduced.
What is Cisapride
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Digestive tract stimulant |
| Benefit | Used in the treatment of gastric acid disease |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Cisapride for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Cisapride can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Medicine Form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Cisapride
Cisapride should not be used carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before taking this drug, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Cisapride should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, arrhythmia, stomach or intestinal ulcers, heart disease, lung disease, or vomiting that has not subsided. Cisapride should not be taken by patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, eating disorders, electrolyte disturbances, or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, such as azole antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole, or macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking cisapride if you plan to have surgery or certain medical procedures.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking cisapride.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Cisapride
The dose of cisapride will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition. In general, the dose of cisapride for adults to treat acid reflux disease (GERD), disorders of the digestive system movement, or dyspepsia syndrome, is 5–10 mg, 3–4 times a day. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day. This medicine is not intended to treat peptic ulcers.
How to Take Cisapride Correctly
Take cisapride as directed by your doctor and read the instructions on the medicine package. Do not increase or decrease the dose of the drug without consulting your doctor first.
Cisapride tablets need to be taken 15 minutes before meals and some time before going to bed with the help of a glass of water. If you forget to take cisapride, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the next dose.
In addition to taking cisapride, you also need to make lifestyle changes to make the drug's effects more effective. For example, eat small portions, sleep with your head elevated at least 15-20 cm from your body position, and avoid consuming high-fat foods, alcoholic beverages, fizzy drinks, or caffeinated drinks.
During treatment with cisapride you should have regular health checks. This is done so that the doctor can monitor the progress of your condition.
Store cisapride in its package in a cool, dry place. Keep the drug away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Cisapride Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug interactions that can occur if cisapride is used with certain drugs include:
- Increased time required for blood to clot when used with anticoagulants
- Increased sedative or drowsy effects of benzodiazepines or drugs containing alcohol
- Decreased therapeutic effect of cisapride when used with anticholinergics, such as atropine or tiotropium
- Increased blood levels of cimetidine or ranitidine
- Increased risk of side effects when used with antihistamines, antidepressants, such as amytriptyline, certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, antifungals, anti-nausea, antipsychotics, or protease inhibitors, such as indinavir or lopinavir-ritonavir
In addition, if cisapride is taken with certain foods or drinks, it can cause interactions in the form of:
- Increased levels of cisapride if taken together grapesfruit
- Increased risk of side effects if consumed with alcoholic beverages
Cisapride Side Effects and Dangers
The following are some of the side effects that can occur after taking cisapride:
- Stomach ache
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Stuffy nose or cough
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't get better or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual feeling of extreme tiredness
- Chest pain
- Visual disturbance
- Throw up
- Flying feeling
- Faint
