Cisapride tartrate is chemically related to metoclopramide, but unlike metoclopramide, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier or have antidopaminergic effects. Cisapride is a serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist. Cisapride was indicated for the symptomatic treatment of adult patients with nocturnal heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America stopped the marketing of cisapride as of 14th July 2000. They had received at least 341 reports of heart rhythm abnormalities and these led to 80 deaths. Other reported adverse effects are: headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation. Cisapride for animals has been found helpful in some cases of megaesophagus and is a common treatment for feline megacolon. Clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin markedly inhibit the metabolism of cisapride. Concurrent administration of certain anticholinergic compounds, such as belladonna alkaloids and dicyclomine, would be e......

Cisapride acts directly as a selective agonist of serotonin 5-HT4 receptor with IC50 value of 0.483 μM. And It also acts indirectly as a parasympathomimetic.

Cisapride (R 51619) is a serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonists are potent prokinetic agents that act on serotonin receptors in the intestine and promote intestinal peristalsis, increase gastric emptying and decrease esophageal reflux.