Comparative Efficacy of the Prokinetic Effects of Cisapride and Tegaserod in Equines.

This research investigates the effects of two drugs, cisapride and tegaserod, on intestine activities in horses. It particularly focuses on their impact on bowel movements and monitors heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature to evaluate safety. The outcome suggests that both drugs improve intestinal activity, but tegaserod accelerates food passage through the gut more effectively while exhibiting no significant side effects.

Research Methodology

• The research team designed a study involving three phases to compare the effects of cisapride and tegaserod on equine intestine activity.
• In the control phase, no drug treatments were administered to the horses.
• In the two experimental phases, the horses were given cisapride and tegaserod respectively, with dosages adjusted according to their body mass (0.22 mg/kg for cisapride, 0.27 mg/kg for tegaserod).
• During each phase, measurements on the gastrointestinal transit time, the number of bowel movements per day, the weight of stool produced, and the bowel sounds were collected to assess the efficacy of each drug.
• The safety tags included monitoring the heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature of the horses.

Key Findings

• Administration of both cisapride and tegaserod made significant positive impacts on gastrointestinal transit time, bowel movements per day, and stool weight, when compared with the control phase.
• Tegaserod was found to accelerate the gastrointestinal transit time more than cisapride, implying that the food passed through the horse’s digestive system faster with this specific drug.
• However, there was no notable difference in the number of bowel movements per day and the weight of the stool between the periods of cisapride and tegaserod administration.
• Neither of the drugs produced noteworthy changes in the heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, suggesting that both drugs were safe to administer in the investigated doses.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that both cisapride and tegaserod are effective in stimulating intestinal activity in horses, with tegaserod having a stronger effect in accelerating the gastrointestinal transit time.
• No major side effects were observed with the use of either drug, indicating their potential for safe use in therapeutic treatments.