Managing Constipation/Megacolon in Your Cats with Cisapride

Constipation is a very uncomfortable situation for a feline. Similar in humans, senior cats are more prone to constipation issues. Ingesting hairballs, grass or non-food products can cause hard stool, weakened muscles, or tumors that can also affect the animal’s ability to pass stools. Repeated episodes of constipation or prolonged obstipation can lead to megacolon. Megacolon is a progressive condition that leads to irreversible distension of the colon. Aside from addressing environmental and dietary factors such as stressors, dehydration, low fiber diet and arthritis, clinical therapy more than likely is necessary. Cisapride is a prokinetic used to increase lower esophageal peristalsis, sphincter pressure and accelerate gastric emptying.

Cisapride is commonly used to help food pass through a cat’s intestine when given 30 minutes before eating. Unfortunately, Cisapride does not cure the condition but rather must be given indefinitely. This is generally recommended in conjunction with a stool softener and bulk forming agent. This medication is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects. However, if they arise, adverse effects could be vomiting, diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Dosing: 2.5-5mg by mouth every 8-12 hours 30 minutes before meals. Dosing
consideration should be made in hepatic insufficiency. Pharmacy Solutions can make capsules, flavored oral suspensions and transdermal preparations to tailor the medication for your specific feline.