E-drug: Re: Popular heartburn drug to be withdrawn in the U.S. (cont'd)
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Status in India :
1) So far no warning has come from the authorities about the risks of using
Cisapride.
2) Cisparide is indicated for a) Oesophagitis & GERD b) Chronic functional
& non-ulcer dyspepsia c) gastroparesis d) Intestinal pseudo-obstruction e)
Constipation f) inpaired gastric emptying.
3) it is also available as a suspension for paediatric use, and is very
commonly used in infants too.
3) Company literatures of Janssen does not mention anything about
arrhythmias or QT interval. PERHAPS newer literature will carry a little
more information.
4) In fact under "effects" of Cisapride, it is mentioned that Cisapride is
well devoid of effects on blood pressure, heart rate, & ECG !
4) CIMS, of Jan-March 2000, talks about QT prolongation due to drug
interactions.
5) We will wait and watch if Janssen withdraws its brand (Prepulsid) in
India. Thankfully it has done so with Astemizole. May be other companies
will follow suit. It is a bit too early to say anything. The most common
reason for not withdrawing would be "So far no cases have been detected in
India".
6) The FDA talk paper supplied in the Email is a useful tool for us in
India to forward it to various health activists & the Drug Control
authorities.
Raj Vaidya, M.Pharm,
Community Pharmacist,
Hindu Pharmacy,
Panaji - Goa - India 403001.
Email : rajvaidya@bigfoot.com
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