These drugs are used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux, the backward flow of
stomach contents into the Esophagus.
Purpose
The drug Cisapride is used to treat nighttime heartburn resulting from
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). In this condition, food and stomach
juices flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, the part of the
digestive tract through which food passes on its way from the mouth to the
stomach.
Normally, a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens
to allow food into the stomach and then closes to prevent the stomach's
contents from flowing back into the esophagus. In people with GERD, this
muscular ring is either weak or it relaxes at the wrong times. The main
symptom is heartburn - a burning sensation centered behind the breastbone
and spreading upward toward the neck and throat.
Cisapride works by strengthening the lower Esophageal Sphincter and making
the stomach empty more quickly. This shortens the amount of time that the
esophagus comes in contact with the stomach contents. Other drugs, such as
H2-blockers are sometimes prescribed to reduce the amount of acid in the
stomach.
Description
Cisapride is available only with a physician's prescription. Cisapride is
sold in tablet and liquid forms.