Cisapride is used to treat
- Severe reflux oesophagitis
- Gastroparesis
- Severe gastro-oesophageal reflux in children
Cisapride works by strengthening the muscle contractions of the digestive system. Food then moves through the stomach more easily.
Cisapride has been approved for the uses listed above. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use. If you would like more information ask your doctor.
Directions for taking Cisapride
Cisapride is best taken 15 minutes before meals and if necessary, before going to bed. Swallow the tablets with some water or drink but NOT grapefruit juice.
The following are the most often used doses, but your doctor may adjust them to suit your needs. Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Adults
The usual dosage is one 5mg or 10mg tablet, two to four times daily, 15 minutes before meals and at bedtime; or two 10 mg tablets before breakfast and at bedtime.
Persons with kidney or liver diseases
It is best to take half the dose prescribed for other adults. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets or how much solution is appropriate to your particular situation.
Side Effects
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Cisapride.
All medicines have side effects. Often they are not serious but sometimes they can be. You may need medical treatment if you get some side effects.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- diarrhoea
- stomach cramps
- rumbling in your stomach (this actually shows that Cisapride is working)
- light headedness
- mild headache
- slight blurred vision
These are all mild side effects of Cisapride and will usually disappear within a few days on their own. Tell your doctor if they continue.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- diarrhoea in babies or children
- muscle stiffness or cramps
- you have to pass urine more often
These side effects are rare. Tell your doctor about them because medical attention might be necessary.
STOP taking Cisapride and tell your doctor immediately if any of the following happen:
- you have an allergic reaction to Cisapride (allergy can be recognised, for instance, by skin rash, itching, shortness of breath and/or a swollen face)
- dark brown urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin
- you feel faint, become dizzy or have irregular heartbeats
These side effects are rare. You should tell your doctor about them because you may need urgent medical attention.
Do not hesitate to report any other side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Telephone your doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre, or go to the Accident & Emergency Department at your nearest hospital immediately if you think you or anybody else has taken too much Cisapride.
Symptoms of overdose include stomach cramps and diarrhoea or irregular heart beat. Very young children can become listless and weak.
Your doctor may give charcoal to stop any Cisapride remaining in the stomach from entering the bloodstream. You or your child will also need to be watched closely.
The doctor may want to do an ECG test for a rare condition known as QT-prolongation, and may check for a slow heart beat and take a blood sample to measure changes in substances called electrolytes (especially for a low potassium or magnesium level).
Storage
Keep your Cisapride tablets below 30°C (86°F) and store them in a dry place.
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