Alternative medications to cisapride include metoclopramide, erythromycin, and domperidone. These drugs are often considered when a prokinetic agent is needed for gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Common Alternatives to Cisapride
When cisapride is not an option, healthcare providers may consider other prokinetic agents. Each alternative has its own characteristics regarding effectiveness and side-effect profiles.
Here's a closer look at the primary alternatives:
- Metoclopramide: This medication is frequently used as an alternative. However, its effectiveness can be unpredictable for many gastrointestinal disorders. It also carries a significant side-effect burden, with 10% to 30% of patients experiencing adverse reactions.
- Common side effects of metoclopramide include:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Depression
- Headaches
- Tardive dyskinesia (rarely)
- Common side effects of metoclopramide include:
- Erythromycin: While primarily an antibiotic, erythromycin possesses prokinetic properties due to its ability to stimulate motilin receptors in the gut.
- Domperidone: This drug acts as a dopamine receptor antagonist and is known for its prokinetic effects. It is often used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and gastric motility disorders.
The choice of alternative depends on the specific patient condition, the nature of the gastrointestinal disorder, and the patient's tolerance for potential side effects.
