The effect of a single rectal dose of cisapride on delayed gastric emptying

BACKGROUND: Cisapride has an established prokinetic effect in patients with delayed gastric emptying. However, rectal administration of the drug might be preferred in patients with either dysphagia or nausea due to gastroparesis. AIM: To determine the effect of a single rectal dose of cisapride 60 mg on gastric emptying in patients with delayed gastric emptying. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (16 males, 16 females) with demonstrated delayed gastric emptying received a single dose of two suppositories containing either cisapride (2 x 30 mg) or placebo, according to a double-blind randomized crossover design. Three hours after administration of the suppositories, the patients received a radio-labelled test meal and radio-opaque markers for measurement of gastric emptying. RESULTS: The mean t1/2 after cisapride administration (76 min, 95% CI: 68-95) was significantly shorter (P = 0.005: n = 28, per-protocol analysis) than after placebo administration (104 min, 81-126). Four hours after ingestion of the meal significantly fewer radio-opaque markers remained in the stomach after cisapride than after placebo administration (P < 0.05). Mild to moderate adverse events, mainly involving the gastrointestinal tract, were reported in 10 patients (31%) after cisapride treatment and in four patients (13%) after placebo (N.S.: n = 32). CONCLUSION: A single suppository dose of cisapride 60 mg significantly accelerates gastric emptying of the solid phase of a meal and of radio-opaque markers in patients with previously demonstrated delayed gastric emptying.