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Cisapride

Prescription

Serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist (prokinetic)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

7 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Stimulates 5-HT4 receptors in the myenteric plexus, enhancing acetylcholine release and promoting coordinated GI motility throughout the entire GI tract

At a glance

Class

Serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist (prokinetic)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Gastric motility disorders / Gastroesophageal reflux

Dose

0.1–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID to TID

Max dose

20 mg/dose; 60 mg/day

Duration: As needed; often long-term

🐈

Cat

Megacolon / Constipation / GI motility disorders

Dose

0.1–1 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID to TID

Max dose

5 mg/dose; 15 mg/day

Duration: Long-term for megacolon; 30 min before meals

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

5mg

Available in India

Strength

10mg

Available in India

🧴

Oral suspension (compounded) — 1

Strength

1mg/mL

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

GI obstruction or perforation
Concurrent azole antifungals
CYP3A4 inhibition increases cisapride levels; QT prolongation risk
KetoconazoleItraconazole

Use with caution

Concurrent macrolide antibiotics
QT prolongation risk

Adverse effects

Common

Diarrhoea

Abdominal cramping

Flatulence

Serious

Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation)

Ventricular tachycardia

Monitoring parameters

GI motility (frequency and quality of defecation)ECG if concern for arrhythmiaAbdominal radiographs (megacolon)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 6

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

contraindicated

Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of cisapride, causing dangerous cisapride accumulation and fatal QT prolongation/ventricular arrhythmias.

Management: NEVER combine. Use alternative prokinetic (metoclopramide) or alternative antifungal (fluconazole has less CYP3A4 inhibition).

Itraconazole

contraindicated

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of cisapride, causing QT prolongation and potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

Management: NEVER combine. Use metoclopramide as alternative prokinetic.

Erythromycin

contraindicated

Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of cisapride + erythromycin itself prolongs QT: severe QT prolongation and torsades de pointes risk.

Management: NEVER combine. Use metoclopramide as alternative prokinetic, or use different antibiotic.

Clarithromycin

contraindicated

Clarithromycin potently inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of cisapride, causing dangerous QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.

Management: NEVER combine. Use metoclopramide as alternative prokinetic.

Posaconazole

contraindicated

CYP3A4 inhibition by posaconazole causes cisapride accumulation and fatal QT prolongation.

Management: NEVER combine.

Voriconazole

contraindicated

CYP3A4 inhibition causes cisapride accumulation and fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Management: NEVER combine. Use metoclopramide as alternative prokinetic.

Moderate — 1

Metoclopramide

moderate

Both increase GI motility but via different mechanisms. Additive prokinetic effect may cause excessive GI motility (cramping, diarrhea).

Management: Usually not needed together — use one prokinetic. If combined, monitor for excessive GI motility signs.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Prepulsid

Janssen

India

Ciza

Sun Pharma

Cisaride

Mankind

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Cisapride?

Cisapride is a serotonin 5-ht4 receptor agonist (prokinetic) used in pets. Stimulates 5-HT4 receptors in the myenteric plexus, enhancing acetylcholine release and promoting coordinated GI motility throughout the entire GI tract

›What is Cisapride used for in pets?

Cisapride is used in veterinary medicine for: Gastric motility disorders / Gastroesophageal reflux; Megacolon / Constipation / GI motility disorders.

›What is the Cisapride dose for dogs?

For dogs, Cisapride is typically dosed as follows — Gastric motility disorders / Gastroesophageal reflux: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Cisapride dose for cats?

For cats, Cisapride is typically dosed as follows — Megacolon / Constipation / GI motility disorders: 0.1–1 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Cisapride?

Common: Diarrhoea, Abdominal cramping, Flatulence. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation), Ventricular tachycardia.

›Does Cisapride need a prescription?

Yes. Cisapride is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Cisapride not be used?

Do not use Cisapride if: GI obstruction or perforation; Concurrent azole antifungals.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database