Cisapride for Pets: GI Motility, Constipation & Reflux Treatment

Published on September 10th, 2024

Updated on October 15th, 2025

Reviewed by Petco's Veterinarian Team

Pro-motility agent used to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract.

Summary

Used For:

Cisapride is commonly used to help stimulate the movement of food through the intestines.

Brands:

Special formulations only in the U.S.

Species:

Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, rodents, small mammals

Drug type:

Gastrointestinal

Prescription required:

Yes

Pregnancy and lactation:

Use cautiously in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and rarely cardiac arrhythmias.

General description

Cisapride is commonly used to help stimulate the movement of food through the intestines. It is used for the treatment of chronic constipation and megacolon. It may also be used to treat esophageal reflux and megaesophagus. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.

Uses

Cisapride is primarily used in veterinary medicine to increase gastrointestinal motility, decrease esophageal reflux, and treat constipation/megacolon.

How it works

Cisapride increases the release of acetylcholine which stimulates contraction of the smooth muscle in the digestive tract. This results in increased gastrointestinal motility.

Dosage

Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. **Dogs:** 0.1 – 0.5 milligram per kilogram orally every 8-12 hours, 30 minutes before feeding. **Cats:** 2.5 milligram per cat orally every 12 hours, 15-30 minutes before feeding. Dosages may be increased up to 7.5 milligram per cat orally every 8 hours in large cats. **Rabbits, Rodents, and small mammals:** 0.1 – 0.5 milligram per kilogram orally every 12 hours. **Foals:** 10 milligram (total dose) orally every 6-8 hours.

Forms

Cisapride is no longer commercial available and must be obtained from a compounding pharmacy.

Storage information & handling

Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Always check the label for storage information specific to each product.

What results can I expect?

Reduction in the severity and frequency of constipation, esophageal reflux, increased gastrointestinal motility.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

May see diarrhea, lethargy, ataxia, hypersalivation, muscle twitching, agitation, abnormal behavior, increased body temperature, and possibly seizures. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

* Vomiting * Diarrhea * Abdominal discomfort * Cardiac arrhythmia

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity * Gastrointestinal obstruction * Gastrointestinal perforation * Gastrointestinal hemorrhage * Liver disease * Heart disease

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using cisapride with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Interactions may occur with medications including but not limited to anticholinergic agents, benzodiazepines, warfarin, amiodarone antifungals, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.

Health & Wellbeing

Cisapride for Pets: GI Motility, Constipation & Reflux Treatment

Summary

Used For:

Brands:

Species:

Drug type:

Prescription required:

Pregnancy and lactation:

Side effects:

General description

Uses

How it works

Dosage

Forms

Storage information & handling

What results can I expect?

Missed Dosage

Overdose / acute toxicity

Side effects

Contraindications

Drug interactions

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