Drug interactions
Cisapride + Donepezil
Severity: Major
Cisapride and Donepezil: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Donepezil has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and cisapride has the same risk. Taking both increases the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cisapride and Donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Cisapride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Donepezil belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; donepezil may also cause bradycardia, which promotes torsades.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities and monitor for bradycardia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Cisapride
- Apomorphine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Artemether + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
Other interactions of Donepezil
- Donepezil + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Donepezil + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Donepezil Major
- Amisulpride + Donepezil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cisapride with Donepezil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cisapride and Donepezil can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Donepezil has been associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and cisapride has the same risk. Taking both increases the likelihood of ventricular arrhythmia, particularly in older patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Cisapride and Donepezil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If both are required, obtain an ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities and monitor for bradycardia.
What other medicines interact with Cisapride?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cisapride with, for example, Apomorphine, Artemether, Azithromycin. The full list is on the Cisapride page.
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