Efficacy of Cisapride in the Treatment of Epigastric Pain and Concomitant Symptoms in Non-ulcer Dyspepsia

Abstract

Non-ulcer dyspepsia is gaining increasing interest among gastroenterologists even though the pathogenetic mechanisms in individual patients are still unknown. On the basis of a number of studies, it can be concluded that in about 60% of patients impairment of gastric evacuation may contribute to the symptomatology (epigastric pain, postprandial fullness, early satiety, bloating, nausea and vomiting). This review summarizes the results of 10 placebo-controlled trials which evaluated the effects of cisapride (3 × 5 or 3 × 10 mg/day) in strict non-ulcer dyspepsia or functional postprandial dyspepsia. In seven of the trials, cisapride proved significantly superior to placebo in relieving epigastric pain and concomitant symptoms in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. In the three studies examining chronic functional dyspepsia, belching, postprandial bloating, early satiety and heartburn were significantly improved. In all 10 trials, cisapride was significantly superior to placebo.

Key Words:

• Cisapride
• functional complaints
• heartburn
• non-ulcer dyspepsia
• placebo-controlled trial
• postprandial fullness