Cinitapride
About Cinitapride
Cinitapride is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and indigestion symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). Indigestion is the feeling of fullness in the stomach caused by excess acid and gas.
Cinitapride contains 'Cinitapride' that increases the pressure of the inferior oesophageal sphincter, thereby preventing the back-flow of food and acid from the stomach into the mouth.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as headache, nausea, drowsiness and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor before taking Cinitapride if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical perforation/obstruction, or movement disorder. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cinitapride should not be given to children as safety has not been established.
Uses of Cinitapride
Medicinal Benefits
- Treats acid reflux (GERD) by improving stomach movement and reducing acid backflow.
- Relieves indigestion (dyspepsia) and discomfort after meals.
- Reduces bloating and fullness by helping food move faster through the stomach.
- Improves gastric emptying in people with slow stomach motility.
- Helps relieve nausea and vomiting related to digestive problems.
- Reduces heartburn and upper abdominal discomfort.
Directions for Use
- Take Cinitapride 15-30 minutes before food, or as advised by the doctor.
- It is advised to take Cinitapride 3 times a day; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with water.
- Do not crush, break or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Cinitapride
- Headache
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhoea
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Do not take Cinitapride if you are allergic to any of its contents.
- Inform your doctor before taking Cinitapride if you have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical perforation/obstruction, or movement disorder.
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Cinitapride may cause drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert.
- Cinitapride should not be given to children as safety has not been established.
- Avoid consuming alcohol along with Cinitapride as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can elevate the production of stomach acid.
- Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, as there may be an interaction.
- Antibiotics (erythromycin)
• Potential effect: May enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics. - Antifungal drugs (ketoconazole)
• Potential effect: May increase the effectiveness of Cinitapride. - Antipsychotic drugs (Haloperidol)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of side effects
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Cinitapride, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Mechanical perforation/obstruction
- Movement disorder.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Cinitapride. Alcohol intake leads to increased production of stomach acid, thereby increasing acidity and heartburn.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before taking Cinitapride; your doctor will decide whether Cinitapride can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionCinitapride may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before taking Cinitapride if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before taking Cinitapride if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeCinitapride should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Diet
- Eat small, frequent meals instead of large heavy meals to improve digestion.
- Avoid spicy, oily, and fatty foods that can worsen acidity and indigestion.
- Limit caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol as they may increase acid reflux.
- Include light, easily digestible foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet.
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid lying down immediately after meals; wait at least 2–3 hours to prevent acid reflux.
- Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce pressure on the stomach.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as they can worsen digestive problems.
- Practice regular physical activity, such as walking after meals, to support better digestion.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe and causes heartburn. Symptoms include heartburn, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Indigestion: It is the feeling of fullness that occurs due to slow gastric emptying (emptying of food from the stomach into the intestine). Symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
FAQs
Cinitapride is used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus) and symptoms of indigestion (slow gastric emptying).
Cinitapride works by increasing the movement of the muscles of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines during digestion. Cinitapride acts upon a chemical messenger called serotonin located in the nerves of the digestive tract, thereby increasing the release of acetylcholine. As a result, stomach and intestinal motility speed up, thereby improving gastrointestinal function.
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal‚ bleeding/ulcer, movement disorders‚ mechanical obstruction or perforations (holes) in the intestine should‚ contact a doctor before using Cinitapride.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Cinitapride. Drink lots of fluids/water and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. In addition, probiotic and prebiotic intake can help mitigate water loss. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals. Raise the head of the bed 10-20 cm by placing a pillow under it so the head and chest are above the waist. Besides this, avoid smoking, alcohol drinking, and eating spicy, oily foods. This helps prevent acid reflux and heartburn.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly exacerbate acid reflux and GERD symptoms. When you smoke, the muscle that separates the oesophagus and stomach relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow back up and irritate the oesophagus. Alcohol consumption also relaxes this muscle and increases acid production in the stomach, leading to heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort. By understanding the impact of smoking and alcohol on acid reflux, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can help alleviate discomfort and improve your overall health.
Cinitapride is used with Rabeprazole to treat acid-related conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers. It helps strengthen the muscle that prevents acid reflux and improves gastric emptying, reducing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Together, they provide effective relief from heartburn and discomfort, making it a powerful combination for managing acid-related issues.
Common side effects of Cinitapride may include headache, nausea, drowsiness and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
