405 Heron Drive Suite 200
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Ph 800.331.8272
www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com

Cisapride for Dogs and Cats

Contents

General Drug Information and Indications
How to Give this Medication
Side Effects
Precautions
Drug Interactions
Overdose
Storage
Search for Available Dosage Forms

General Drug Information and Indications

Cisapride is a drug that is used to stimulate the smooth muscle that lines the digestive tract, causing the contents to move further along through the esophagus, stomach and the intestines. Cisapride is used in cats for conditions such as megaesophagus, chronic constipation and megacolon. It is used in dogs to reduce vomiting associated with megaesophagus, or other conditions that slow the emptying of the stomach. Like many other drugs in veterinary medicine, Cisapride is not FDA approved for use in animals; however, it may be compounded by a specialty pharmacy for your pet. Cisapride is considered accepted practice within veterinary medicine.

How to Give this Medication

Give this medication to your pet exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. If you miss giving your pet a dose of cisapride, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double dose in order to catch up.

Cisapride is usually given at least 30 minutes before feeding.

Cisapride does not cure the condition for which it is given. Treatment is generally continued for the life of the animal.

Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication.

Side Effects

Be sure to discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately.

Cisapride is generally well tolerated in cats and dogs. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Changes in heart rhythm are a rare side effect in animals.


Precautions

Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Cisapride is a prescription drug and should be used according to your veterinarian’s directions. It should only be given to the animal for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to a person.

If your pet has severe liver disease, the vet may lower the cisapride dose.

High doses of cisapride have been shown to cause problems during pregnancy in laboratory animals and appears in maternal milk in small amounts. Cisapride would only be used during pregnancy or in nursing animals when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Drug Interactions

Be sure to review with your veterinarian any drugs your pet may be taking.

Cisapride is metabolized by the liver. If taken with other drugs that are also metabolized the same way in the liver, they may interfere with cisapride levels. These drugs include: Amiodarone, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice or powder, and certain antibiotics such as erythromycin.

Although changes in heart rhythm due to cisapride are rare, there are some other drugs that also can change the heart rhythm. If cisapride is used with these drugs, the risk for heart complications increases. These drugs include amiodarone, clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol and tricyclic antidepressants.

Because cisapride decreases the amount of time it takes for food or drugs to pass through the digestive tract, it may affect the absorption of other oral drugs.

Overdose

If you suspect your pet or another animal was overdosed accidentally or has eaten this medication inadvertently, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Always bring the prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment.

If you or someone else has accidentally ingested this medication call the National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222.

Storage

Different strengths or dosage forms of cisapride may have different storage requirements. Read the labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the prescription you receive.

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 Pharmacy compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
Looking for Cisapride?

We can let your veterinarian know that you are interested in our compounded Cisapride.


Have a written prescription from your veterinarian?
Get your instant quote by chat!
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 in 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.