Cisapride - Are There Any Alternatives?

Hi All,

I've recently begun giving my 17yr old kitty Cisapride and an over the counter, vet-approved, human stool softener in order to increase the frequency and ease of bowl movements. (For others: The stool softener is Polyethylene Glycol 3350, generic brand, 1/4 tsp. 2xday for a 16lb cat.  If you're paying for one from your vet you can ask them about this instead, but do get it approved for your own animal as I don't know about their pre-existing conditions or other current meds.)

I'd like to find another medication to stimulate contractions in the lower intestine which IS approved for humans as well as animals. ( Cisapride is not here in Canada, not sure about elsewhere.)

Has anyone used Cisapride and then had their vet switch them to another similar medication?

I'm a little embarrassed to say why but anticipate someone will ask... Basically, I'm on a fixed income, am paying off eye surgery at the veterinary hospital already and recently found out I need to pay for dentures...

( ... for myself, not my cat  )

My family doctor, knowing my circumstance, will consider prescribing a medication for me to be covered by my  plan IF I can find one which a veterinarian approves of for felines.  I would ask my own vet as I consider him competant but, excuse my cynisism, he won't be making any money off a prescription he doesn't provide.  A different clinic vet could approve something else and once I had it I would of course tell my own kitty doctor as I'd want him to be aware of it.

Thanks for any suggestions and have a purr-filled day!

Hi Soulsister,

Unfortunately, I do not have any experience with cisapride or any replacement meds for it, but I thought this thread may be of help if you hadn't looked at it already:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/247733/alternative-for-propulsid-cisapride

I do send you and your kitty well wishes, and hopefully you find some good alternatives that work just as well.   

When my renal failure kitty was alive, I used Miralax with her.  I know many renal failure kitty owners who use the herb, Slippery Elm Bark.  It's good for both diarrhea and constipation, depending on what your kitty needs.  Not sure how all that works, but it does! 

http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/slippery-elm/

Thank you both for taking the time to reply!  I've not found an exact substitute for the Cisapride but considering how much better he seems following the addition of the Clearlax ( no-name Canadian Restoralax which is like American Mirilax - at 3/4 teaspoon a day) I may try cutting down on the Cisapride while adding some natural therapies which my vet would need to approve. Happy Cat-Loving...