Brand Name(s): Propulsid Suspension

Generic Name Cisapride Suspension

What is cisapride oral suspension?

CISAPRIDE (Propulsid^®) helps to move gastric contents through the stomach, reducing exposure of the esophagus to gastric acid. Cisapride helps to control and relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn. Cisapride is also used to help people with poor motility of the stomach and intestinal tract. Generic cisapride oral suspension is not yet available. This drug in only available from your prescriber, who must register with the drug company and meet certain criteria for the use of this drug. Cisapride has not been available in pharmacies since August 2000. For information, the manufacturer has provided the following toll-free number (877) 795—4247.

What should my health care professional know before I take cisapride?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• eating disorder, like anorexia or bulimia
• stomach bleeding, blockage, or ulceration
• heart disease or heart failure
• heart rhythm problems
• heart valve problems
• history of low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cisapride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take cisapride oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take cisapride on an empty stomach, at least 15 minutes before eating; and take at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with cisapride?

Do not take cisapride with any of the following medications:

• aprepitant
• arsenic trioxide
• bepridil
• certain antibiotics, examples: clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, sparfloxacin, or troleandomycin
• diltiazem
• droperidol
• grapefruit juice
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• medicines for fungal infections (examples- fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or voriconazole)
• medicines for treating HIV infection or AIDS (examples- amprenavir, indinavir, ritonavir)
• several medicines for treating depression, psychosis, or other mental problems
• some medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems (examples- amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, ibutilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
• verapamil

Cisapride may also interact with the following medications:

• amphotericin B
• atropine
• bosentan
• cimetidine
• cisplatin
• diazepam
• diuretics (water pills)
• dronabinol, THC
• Imodium^®
• levodopa
• lithium
• Lomotil^®
• medicines for diabetes
• nicardipine
• octreotide
• quinine
• sildenafil (Viagra^®)
• some medicines for gastrointestinal problems
• some medicines for pain
• scopolamine
• warfarin
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Tell your prescriber or health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking cisapride?

Stop taking this medication immediately and report these side effects to your prescriber or health care professional right away:

• fainting or falling spells
• rapid or irregular hearbeat

Contact your health care professional right away for evaluation.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• headache
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea
• stomach pain
• stuffy nose

What should I watch for while taking cisapride?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for a regular check on your progress. For cisapride to work properly it is important to undertake other non-drug therapy. Eat smaller meals, which puts less pressure in your stomach; elevate the head of your bed 6—8 inches, which allows gravity to work in your favor to decrease the amount of reflux; avoid high-fat foods and chocolate because they can cause heartburn; avoid alcohol and avoid smoking because these can also contribute to the development of heartburn; avoid caffeine in large amounts such as in coffee; and avoid carbonated drinks.

If you have any fainting spells or rapid or irregular hearbeat, stop taking this drug immediately. Contact your health care professional right away for evaluation.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are taking cisapride. Grapefruit juice could increase your risk of having serious side effects from this medication.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature between 15 degrees—30 °C (59 degrees—86 °F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.