Cisapride
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Cisapride for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail that may be known about this medicine, and it does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine helps the digestive system move food along.
- It encourages food to travel through the stomach and intestines.
- It can only be obtained through a pharmacy that makes custom-made medicines (a compounding pharmacy).
Other common names
- Propulsid
Uses of Cisapride for pets
Your veterinarian may still choose to have it specially made and use it for:
- Helping manage acid reflux in dogs, cats, and other animals
- Helping treat constipation in cats
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- All other medicines or supplements your animal is taking, because this medicine can react with many other drugs
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any past bad reactions or side effects your animal has had from medicines
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not give this medicine to animals:
- That have an allergy to it
- That have a blockage in the digestive tract, or a tear, or bleeding in the digestive tract
Be extra careful using this medicine in animals:
- That have liver disease
- That have abnormal heart rhythm (a problem with the heart’s electrical timing)
- That have low potassium (a low level of a body salt in the blood)
- That are taking medicines that may lower potassium, such as furosemide or insulin
- That are pregnant or nursing
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
- This medicine may work better if your pet gets it when the stomach is empty, about 15 minutes before eating.
- If you are giving a liquid form, use an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure it. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common side effects — call your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain or cramping
Severe side effects — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you see:
- Coughing or trouble breathing
- Weakness, fainting, or collapse
Cisapride for pets can interact with many medicines. Do not start any new medicine or supplement unless your veterinarian says it is okay.
How will I know it's working?
This medicine should begin to take effect within 1 to 2 hours. After that, you should notice your animal’s signs slowly improving.
If your animal’s signs get worse or do not get better, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the medicine should no longer work within 24 hours.
The effects may continue longer if your animal’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
The length of treatment can vary. Keep giving it for the amount of time your veterinarian instructs. You may need to get more refills.
Overdose
Possible signs of giving too much include:
- Diarrhea
- Low energy
- More drooling than usual
- Poor coordination
- Muscle twitching
- Unusual behavior or restlessness
- Seizures
If you see or think an overdose has happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee applies).
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the normal schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the usual schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Store it the way the label says.
- Keep it away from light.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find one, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Combine the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”