Cisapride Tablets

Generic name: Cisapride Tablets [ SIS-a-pride ]
Brand name: Propulsid
Drug class: GI stimulants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 16, 2023.

Warning

Very bad and sometimes deadly heart problems like abnormal heartbeats have happened with this medicine (cisapride tablets). Abnormal heartbeats may happen because of electrolyte problems. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Talk with your doctor if you are taking any drugs that can cause a certain type of heartbeat that is not normal (prolonged QT interval). There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Do not take this medicine (cisapride tablets) if you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this medicine (cisapride tablets), like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or depression. Many other drugs interact with this medicine (cisapride tablets) and/or must not be taken with this drug. These drugs can raise the chance of very bad and sometimes deadly side effects. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that it is safe for you to use this medicine (cisapride tablets) with all of your other drugs.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Heart attacks and sudden death have happened with this medicine (cisapride tablets). These effects have happened even in people who are not at risk. Tell your doctor if you or a family member have ever had a long QT on ECG. Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems like an abnormal heartbeat, heart disease, heart defects, or heart failure; lung failure; or electrolyte problems like low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels. Tell your doctor if you have very bad dehydration, poor nutrition, an eating disorder, kidney failure, or are throwing up. Tell your doctor if you are taking insulin or a certain type of diuretic like spironolactone.
You will need an ECG before starting this medicine (cisapride tablets) and during treatment. Talk with your doctor.
Call your doctor right away if you feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat or a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or pass out.
Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.

Uses of Cisapride Tablets:

It is used to treat heartburn.
It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Cisapride Tablets?

If you have an allergy to cisapride or any other part of this medicine (cisapride tablets).
If you are allergic to this medicine (cisapride tablets); any part of this medicine (cisapride tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have any of these health problems: A bowel block, stomach or bowel bleeding, or a hole in the stomach or bowel.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (cisapride tablets).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (cisapride tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Cisapride Tablets?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (cisapride tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Avoid drinking alcohol; quit smoking; raise head of the bed; avoid large meals before bed; lose weight; and avoid fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, or citrus.
Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (cisapride tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
This medicine is not approved for use in children younger than 16 years of age. Very bad and sometimes deadly side effects have happened in these children. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (cisapride tablets) while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Cisapride Tablets) best taken?

Use this medicine (cisapride tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take at least 15 minutes before meals and at bedtime.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
A fast heartbeat.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Dizziness or passing out.
Chest pain or pressure.

What are some other side effects of Cisapride Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Headache.
Belly pain.
Diarrhea.
Constipation.
Runny nose.
Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Cisapride Tablets?

Store at room temperature.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Protect from light.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this medicine (cisapride tablets) is refilled. If you have any questions about this medicine (cisapride tablets), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.