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

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cisapride and tegaserod on intestinal smooth muscle activity in equines. Efficacy was evaluated through measurement of gastrointestinal transit time, bowel movements per day, stool weight, and bowel sounds. Drug safety was evaluated via heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature. Records were obtained throughout three periods: a control phase without treatment, a period of cisapride administration at a dose of 0.22 mg/kg, and a period of tegaserod treatment at a dose of 0.27 mg/kg. Gastrointestinal transit time, bowel movements per day, and stool weight were significantly improved on administration of both cisapride and tegaserod, as compared with the control phase. With tegaserod administration, gastrointestinal transit time accelerates more than to cisapride administration; however, no significant difference was seen in bowel movements per day and stool weight. In terms of heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature, no significant variations were seen between the three sample phases. Because of the above findings, tegaserod can be considered an effective stimulant of intestinal smooth muscle, accelerating gastrointestinal transit time in healthy horses and representing a potential therapeutic agent similar to cisapride.