Effect of single and multiple administrations of cisapride on postprandial gallbladder emptying in healthy humans

Effects of a clinical dose of the prokinetic drug, cisapride, on postprandial gallbladder emptying were evaluated in 8 healthy normal volunteers. Gallbladder and gastric emptying after a liquid test meal were simultaneously measured by ultrasonography. Compared with placebo, a single oral dose of cisapride (5 mg) accelerated gastric emptying, but not gallbladder contraction. Cisapride enhanced gallbladder refilling. The same individuals took oral cisapride (15 mg TID) for 14 days, and were reassessed on the following day after oral 5 mg of cisapride. Fasting gallbladder volume was significantly increased. Although gallbladder contractility was not affected, the residual volume was significantly large. Gastric emptying rate returned to the control value. Fasting and post-test meal plasma CCK levels were not significantly attenuated by either single or multiple administration of cisapride. These results suggest that a clinical dose of cisapride may attenuate gallbladder motor function via mechanisms other than direct neural stimulation of the gallbladder.