Cinitapride

Dosage Forms Available

• Cinitapride can be taken orally (tablet, capsule, oral drops).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• The use of Cinitapride is recommended for adults.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Cinitapride or other benzamide derivatives. Cinitapride is also contraindicated in patients with mechanical bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, pheochromocytoma, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour (prolactinoma).

Other Medications to Avoid

• Cinitapride might interact with CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin). These medications can increase the level of Cinitapride in the body. Anticholinergic medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Cinitapride (like atropine and scopolamine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Cinitapride may result in symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, agitation or hallucinations. In such cases, immediate medical attention should be sought.
• If you happen to miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you recall. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.

Management of Side Effects

• Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.
• In case you experience abdominal pain or nausea, try taking Cinitapride with food.
• If diarrhoea occurs, ensure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• In case of headaches, rest and relaxation might help.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Drowsiness is a known side effect of Cinitapride. Hence, if you feel drowsy or sedated after taking this medicine, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Cinitapride during pregnancy or while breastfeeding should only be done with caution.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Elderly patients and those with impaired liver or kidney function should exercise caution while taking Cinitapride. Regular monitoring of liver function tests and kidney function tests may be required.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• If you are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it's advised to avoid food and drinks that trigger heartburn. These include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion and caffeine.
• Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on your abdomen and prevent stomach acid from backing up into your oesophagus.
• Stop smoking, as tobacco is known to weaken your lower oesophageal sphincter - a muscle which helps prevent acid from backing up into the oesophagus.