Brand & Generic Names

Propulsid

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Cholinergic

Uses

• Treatment and prevention of gastro-esophageal reflux or heartburn.
• Treatment for gastroparesis (a stomach disorder).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Oral suspension--Take as directed on label.

When to take:
At the same times each day. Take 15 minutes before meals and at bedtime.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Restores the normal anti-reflux mechanism of the esophagus, helping prevent reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Time lapse before drug works:
30 to 60 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other prescription or non-prescription drug without consulting your doctor.
See Interaction section and consult doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life. If person takes much larger amount than prescribed, call doctor, poison control center or hospital emergency room for instructions.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, unusual tiredness or weakness, headache, nausea, drowsiness.

Rare:

Seizures (in patients with a history of seizures).

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to cisapride.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have bleeding from the stomach or abdomen.
• If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
• If you have kidney or liver disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Animal studies show possibility of fetal abnormalities. Discuss with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
No problems expected. Use only under close medical supervision.

Prolonged use:
Your body may develop a tolerance* to the drug, which can decrease its effectiveness.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take other medicines affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Amantadine	Decreased amantadine effect.
Anticholinergics*	Decreased anticholinergic effect.
Antidepressants*	Decreased antidepressant effect.
Antidyskinetics*	Decreased antidyskinetic effect.
Antihistamines*	Decreased antihistamine effect.
Antipsychotics*	Decreased antipsychotic effect.
Buclizine	Decreased buclizine effect.
Carbamazepine	Decreased carbamazepine effect.
Cimetidine	Increased cimetidine effect.
Cyclobenzaprine	Decreased cyclobenzaprine effect.
Disopyramide	Decreased disopyramide effect.
Flavoxate	Decreased flavoxate effect.
Ipratropium	Decreased ipratropium effect.
Meclizine	Decreased meclizine effect.
Methylphenidate	Decreased methylphenidate effect.
Orphenadrine	Decreased orphenadrine effect.
Oxybutynin	Decreased oxybutynin effect.
Procainamide	Decreased procainamide effect.
Quinidine	Decreased quinidine effect.
Ranitidine	Increased ranitidine effect.
Trimeprazine	Decreased trimeprazine effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Increased absorption of alcohol. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.