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Cisapride
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Cisapride For Veterinary Use
by Barbara Forney, VMD

 
Cisapride Overview
Therapeutic Class
Gastrointestinal prokinetic
Species
Dogs, Cats, Horses
Commonly prescribed by vets for:
Esophageal reflux or megaesophagus, anti-emetic, post-operative ileus, delayed gastric emptying, megacolon.
Cisapride
Cisapride    

Basic Cisapride Information

Cisapride is a third generation benzamide that is used in human and veterinary medicine as a motility enhancement drug. Motility disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are a common clinical problem in companion animals. Post-operative ileus is a common and particularly difficult complication seen after abdominal surgery in horses. Cisapride was once used as a motility enhancement drug in human medicine but it is no longer manufactured or used for this purpose.

Cisapride activates acetylcholine release from the mesenteric plexus which in turn stimulates GI smooth muscle. Cisapride is a serotonergic agonist. Cisapride can show activity on the smooth muscle through out the GI tract. Anatomic differences between species can effect clinical efficacy. For example, cisapride is not generally used for the management of megaesophagus in dogs because they lack smooth muscle in the esophagus. Like Cisapride, Metoclopramide and domperidone are also drugs in the benzamide class. Cisapride does not increase gastric acid secretion.

Dogs and Cats

Cisapride has been widely used in the treatment of gastric emptying disorders, intestinal transit and other motility disorders in both dogs and cats. It accelerates the emptying of the stomach and propulsion of food through the intestines by increasing peristalsis. Cisapride is used in cats in the management of chronic constipation and megacolon.
Work in humans has shown that cisapride is better absorbed when given with food. In small animal practice it is usually recommended that cisapride be given orally 15 minutes before feeding.

Horses

Post-operative ileus (POI) is a common and serious complication in horses that have had abdominal surgery, particularly surgery of the small intestine. Several clinical trials in the early 1990's supported the use of cisapride in the treatment of POI in the horse but more recent work done in vitro demonstrated some receptor differences in the horse jejunum. Possible species differences and the variable results of different research models indicate a need for more research. Because POI may be caused by multiple factors (endotoxemia, distension, inflammation) it is possible that the response to prokinetic agents such as cisapride may be influenced by these different underlying causes. At this time the effect of cisapride on gastrointestinal motility in the horse remains unclear and there does not appear to be a consensus of opinion regarding the use of prokinetic agents in the prevention of POI. Cisapride absorption in the horse has been investigated when given orally, intravenously, intra-muscularly, and rectally. Absorption after rectal administration is negligible.

Side Effects

• Common: GI symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Precautions

• Prokinetic drugs such as cisapride should not be used when increased GI motility may be harmful (mechanical obstruction, impaction, potential perforation or GI hemorrhage).

• The dose of cisapride should be reduced in animals with decreased liver function. Elimination of cisapride is not significantly influenced by decreased renal function.

• Animals with cardiac arrhythmia or conduction disorders may require additional monitoring.

• High doses of cisapride were found to decrease fertility, and increase embryonic losses in laboratory animals. Cisapride is excreted in milk. It should only be used during pregnancy or lactation when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Drug Interactions

• Prokinetic drugs such as cisapride increase gastric motility and speed GI transit. This may affect the absorption of other oral medications.

• Cisapride should not be used with ketoconazole, itraconazole, IV miconazole, or troleandomycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, clarithromycin. These combinations may result in potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

• Cisapride may increase the rate of absorption of the histamine H2 antagonists, cimetidine, and ranitidine. Cimetidine may increase the absorption of cisapride.

• Cisapride may increase the effect of anticoagulants. Additional monitoring of clotting times, and dose adjustments may be necessary.

• Cisapride may increase sedation when used with benzodiazepine tranquilizers or alcohol.

Overdose

There is a wide margin of safety with cisapride. Extremely high doses can potentially cause GI distress, difficulty breathing, and CNS signs. Oral overdose of Cisapride should be handled using standard GI emptying procedures, activated charcoal, and supportive care. Cardiac monitoring for arrhythmia is suggested.

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.

She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.

Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.

You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com

 

What are the available dosage forms from Wedgewood Pharmacy?

Click here to see the different ways our pharmacists prepare this medication for your patients. Call us at 888-678-1967 to speak with a pharmacist for other special requests or to prescribe.

 

The information contained on this site is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.

Wedgewood compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.

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