Evigrade

Cinitapride

AEMPS

Benzamide prokinetic with combined serotonin and dopamine receptor activity

ATC code: A03FA06

Updated · Methodology

Indications

C

Functional dyspepsia

Second line

In functional dyspepsia, cinitapride is used symptomatically when postprandial distress predominates. Evidence is modest: Spanish and Latin American trials showed symptom reduction versus placebo, but large independent meta-analyses are absent. International guidelines (Rome IV, 2022) do not list it as a preferred agent – first-line is a PPI and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

ICD-10: K30 · ICD-11: DD90.3

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

A D2 dopamine and 5-HT2 serotonin receptor antagonist with concurrent 5-HT1 and 5-HT4 agonism. Enhances acetylcholine release in the myenteric plexus of the small intestine, accelerating gastric emptying and small-bowel motility. Clinical data are limited compared with metoclopramide and domperidone – most trials were carried out in Spain and Latin America.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Cinitapride hypersensitivity
  • GI bleeding, perforation, or mechanical obstruction
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Pregnancy
  • Age under 18

Serious adverse effects

  • Extrapyramidal disorders (tremor, akathisia, dyskinesia), especially in older adults and with long courses
  • Hyperprolactinemia
  • Depression

Common adverse effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea

Pregnancy: can you take Cinitapride?

Contraindicated in pregnancy due to limited data and potential fetal neurological risk.

Breastfeeding: can you take Cinitapride?

No data on milk excretion. Use in lactation is not recommended.

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Timing and administration

Take 1 mg three times daily, 15 minutes before main meals. Short course, usually 2–4 weeks. Start at the minimum dose in older adults given the increased extrapyramidal risk. Concurrent dopamine blockers (metoclopramide, antipsychotics) raise the risk of movement disorders.
Label mentions12 mentions

Verbatim lines from the interaction sections, in the language of the label

From this drug’s label

  • antifúngicos azólicosclass named in the label
    «Azoles antifúngicos como ketoconazol, itraconazol, miconazol y fluconazol.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Antibióticos macrólidos como eritromicina, claritromicina o troleandomicina.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • depresores del SNCclass named in the label
    «Su administración unida a alcohol, tranquilizantes, hipnóticos o narcóticos potencia los efectos sedantes.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Puede disminuir el efecto de la digoxina mediante una reducción en su absorción.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Antibióticos macrólidos como eritromicina, claritromicina o troleandomicina.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Azoles antifúngicos como ketoconazol, itraconazol, miconazol y fluconazol.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Azoles antifúngicos como ketoconazol, itraconazol, miconazol y fluconazol.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Azoles antifúngicos como ketoconazol, itraconazol, miconazol y fluconazol.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • macrólidosclass named in the label
    «Antibióticos macrólidos como eritromicina, claritromicina o troleandomicina.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «Azoles antifúngicos como ketoconazol, itraconazol, miconazol y fluconazol.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • opioidesclass named in the label
    «Sus acciones sobre el tracto digestivo pueden reducirse por los anticolinérgicos atropínicos y los analgésicos opiáceos.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

  • «VIH inhibidores de la proteasa, principalmente indinavir y ritonavir.»

    AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

Check interaction with another drug

Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.

Open checker

Summary of a multi-drug list →

Medicine list: everything you take in one place →

Frequently asked

What is Cinitapride used for?

Cinitapride is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Functional dyspepsia (evidence tier C), Gastroesophageal reflux disease (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Cinitapride?

Common side effects of Cinitapride (≥ 1 in 100): Drowsiness, Fatigue, Headache, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Cinitapride safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in pregnancy due to limited data and potential fetal neurological risk.

Is Cinitapride compatible with breastfeeding?

No data on milk excretion. Use in lactation is not recommended.

Who should not take Cinitapride?

Cinitapride is contraindicated in: Cinitapride hypersensitivity; GI bleeding, perforation, or mechanical obstruction; Pheochromocytoma; Pregnancy; Age under 18. Full list in the Safety section.

Official sources

Direct links to regulator labels. Open in a new tab.

Other drugs in this group

Cisapride, Domperidone, Drotaverine, Hyoscine butylbromide, Metoclopramide, Simeticone, Mebeverine, Otilonium bromide