Propulsid (Cisapride (Removed from US Market)) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Propulsid

Hiatal Hernia »

What is a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are present in approximately 15% of the population, they are associated with symptoms in only a minority of those afflicted.

Normally, the esophagus or food tube passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm, and enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the esophagus joins the stomach. In individuals with hiatal hernias, the opening of the esophageal hiatus (hiatal opening) is larger than normal, and a portion of the upper stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are occasionally seen in infants where they probably have been present from birth, most hiatal hernias in adults are believed to have developed over many years....

Read the Hiatal Hernia article »

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Propulsid

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Propulsid Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Propulsid

Generic Name: cisapride (oral) (Pronunciation: SISS a pride)

What is cisapride (Propulsid)?

Cisapride increases the rate at which your esophagus, stomach, and intestines move during digestion. It also increases the rate at which your stomach empties into your intestines and increases the strength of your lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle between your stomach and your esophagus).

Cisapride is used to treat gastric reflux (the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus), which is usually experienced as heartburn.

Cisapride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of cisapride (Propulsid)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cisapride and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
fainting; or
fast or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take cisapride and talk to your doctor if you experience

abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea; or
increased frequency of urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about cisapride (Propulsid)?

Do not take cisapride if you have heart disease or hardening of the arteries; heart failure; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; a slow heart rate that is considered a medical condition; a structural heart defect; heart block or other conduction disturbances; severe dehydration (loss of water), vomiting, malnutrition, an eating disorder; or kidney failure. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking cisapride.

Do not take cisapride with any of the following drugs: antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E.E.S., E-Mycin, others), troleandomycin (TAO), and sparfloxacin (Zagam); antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), maprotiline (Ludiomil), and nefazodone (Serzone); antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); phenothiazines such as prochlorperazine (Compazine, others) and promethazine (Phenergan, others); antihistamines such as astemizole (Hismanal); blood pressure medications such as bepridil (Vascor); heart medications such as procainamide (Procan SR, Procanbid, Pronestyl) and quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute); and HIV medications such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir). Taken with any of these drugs, cisapride may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with cisapride and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking cisapride.

Use other medications cautiously during treatment with cisapride to avoid harming yourself or others. Excessive drowsiness may result if benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and temazepam (Restoril) are taken during treatment with cisapride.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking cisapride. Grapefruit products may increase amount of cisapride available in your body, which could lead to dangerous side effects.

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