Rogastril

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Rogastril

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Rogastril

Quick Facts: Rogastril (Cinitapride)

Property Description
Active ingredient Cinitapride (as Tartrate salt)
Form Tablets or Capsules (Oral)
Pharmacological class Gastroprokinetic Agent / Substituted Benzamide
General use Improving upper digestive tract movement (motility)
Origin Synthetic small molecule drug

What Pharmacological Class Does Rogastril Belong To?

Rogastril is a trade name for a synthetic oral medication whose active component is the substance Cinitapride, which is formally classified as a gastroprokinetic agent. This class of medicine is specifically designed to affect the movement of the digestive tract. Cinitapride itself is chemically a substituted benzamide, a structural group recognized for modulating neurochemical signaling in the gut. The specific formulation of Cinitapride is recognized for its ability to modulate both serotonin receptors and D2 dopaminergic receptors within the gut wall.

Composition and Form of the Cinitapride Medicine

The active entity in the Rogastril medicinal product is Cinitapride, prepared as its tartrate salt to ensure pharmaceutical stability. Rogastril is a single, chemically synthesized, small-molecule drug, and it is most commonly presented for oral administration in the form of solid units, specifically tablets or capsules. Unlike some older motility regulators, the Cinitapride in Rogastril is often distinguished by its primary focus on conditions involving upper abdominal discomfort and delayed gastric emptying. Cinitapride acts to stimulate gastrointestinal motility, addressing issues where propulsion is diminished.

What is the General Purpose of a Gastroprokinetic Agent?

The core purpose of a gastroprokinetic agent is to restore and enhance the natural, forward-moving coordination, or motility, of the upper digestive system, including the stomach and small intestine. Cinitapride achieves this by promoting the pro-cholinergic action that accelerates gastric emptying and increases the muscle tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. This function provides therapeutic value by helping to relieve feelings of discomfort associated with sluggish or poorly coordinated digestive function, such as the unpleasant sensation of early satiety or a persistent feeling of fullness after meals.

What side effects are possible with Rogastril?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Adverse reactions associated with Rogastril (Cinitapride) are officially classified by frequency and the organ system affected, according to regulatory documentation.

Adverse Reaction Classification

The following table summarizes officially documented side effects grouped by the body system affected (System-Organ Class or SOC):

System-Organ Class Common Reactions Rare / Very Rare Reactions
Nervous System Disorders Drowsiness (Somnolence) Extrapyramidal reactions
Gastrointestinal Disorders Diarrhea
Reproductive System Gynecomastia, Galactorrhoea
Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue Rash, Pruritus, Angioedema

Extrapyramidal reactions, which are classified as rare, are considered a clinically significant event and include involuntary muscular movements such as spasms of the face, neck, and tongue. These reactions are documented to typically disappear upon the discontinuation of the treatment. The official label notes that the risk of tardive dyskinesia is associated with long-term treatment in older adults, requiring caution in this patient population.

Population and Safety Restrictions

Official regulatory documents mandate that the medication must not be administered when stimulation of gastric motility could be harmful. This includes patients with confirmed or suspected gastrointestinal hemorrhage, mechanical obstruction, or perforation. Use is also contraindicated in individuals with known neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia. The drug is not advised during the first three months of pregnancy or in children and adolescents, where safety and efficacy have not been established. Concomitant use with alcohol, tranquillizers, or narcotics is noted to enhance the sedative effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

If you suspect an overdose involving Rogastril, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdoses occur when a dose significantly exceeds the typical therapeutic range, potentially leading to severe or life-threatening symptoms affecting vital physiological functions.

Immediate response protocols require rapid action. Do not wait for severe symptoms to develop. Contact your national emergency number (such as 911) or a poison control center right away. In the United States, the Poison Help line is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Be prepared to state the patient's age, weight, amount of Rogastril taken, and the time of the exposure.

Overdose presentations can vary widely but commonly involve central nervous system effects, cardiovascular changes, or significant gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms might include profound drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty breathing, or an irregular heartbeat. Coma and seizures are potential severe clinical manifestations.

If the individual has collapsed, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call emergency services immediately. All cases of suspected overdose must be treated as a medical emergency to ensure proper clinical management and monitoring, which may include supportive care, observation of vital signs, and treatment of symptoms in a hospital setting.

Therapeutic Uses of Rogastril

Quick Facts

  • Addresses symptoms associated with certain gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Supports the management of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Relevant for some individuals experiencing motility disturbances in the digestive tract.

Rogastril is a medication that healthcare professionals may prescribe for the management of specific gastrointestinal disorders. The primary therapeutic domain of this agent is in addressing conditions where the movement of food through the stomach and intestines is impacted.

The drug is an option for patients to support the management of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For some individuals, Rogastril may help to address indicators of non-ulcer dyspepsia, which is a common source of persistent or recurring upper abdominal discomfort. It may also be used in treatment plans for delayed gastric emptying, an issue that involves slower stomach clearance. The selection of Rogastril is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional as part of an individualized treatment plan to support patient outcomes for these motility disturbances.

For further guidance on the approved indications and usage for Rogastril, patients should consult their medical provider.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Rogastril?

The official regulatory documents define strict limitations on which populations are eligible to use Rogastril (Cinitapride).


Eligibility Scope

Category Eligibility Classification
Populations for whom use is allowed Established for Adults (typically over 20 years of age).
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to the medicine, or those with pre-existing conditions where stimulating gut movement is harmful, such as gastrointestinal haemorrhages, obstructions, or perforations. Use is also prohibited for patients with proven neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia.
Populations for whom use is not recommended Children and adolescents are generally excluded as safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.
Pregnancy and Lactation Eligibility Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation as a precautionary measure due to a lack of sufficient human data.

Condition-Specific Eligibility Rules

Caution is taken when treating patients with impaired hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) function, requiring specific clinical consideration. Use is also restricted for elderly patients, particularly during prolonged treatment, due to an increased risk of movement disorders, and for individuals with certain lactose-related metabolic disorders.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile

Regulatory documents establish absolute prohibitions based on gastrointestinal integrity and prior movement disorders. They further impose precautionary restrictions on use in pediatric populations and during pregnancy/lactation, defining limited use categories for those with organ function impairment or specific metabolic intolerances.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Rogastril (Cinitapride) documents several interaction patterns, primarily categorized as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic, based strictly on authoritative government labeling.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

The prokinetic effect of Rogastril, which involves stimulating gastric emptying, may alter the absorption of certain co-administered medicinal products. This action is formally documented to decrease the systemic effect of Digoxin by reducing its absorption. Furthermore, Cinitapride is primarily metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme system. Co-administration with strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors, such as Ketoconazole, certain Macrolide Antibiotics (e.g., Clarithromycin), and HIV Protease Inhibitors (e.g., Ritonavir), may alter Cinitapride's pharmacokinetics. This interaction has been shown in studies to potentially increase the plasma exposure (AUC) of Cinitapride.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

A risk of additive effects is documented when Rogastril is combined with certain agents. Rogastril has the potential to enhance the effects on the Central Nervous System when co-administered with Phenothiazines and other Dopamine Antagonists. Additionally, Rogastril formally enhances the sedative effects when taken concurrently with substances such as alcohol, tranquillisers, hypnotics, or narcotics. Conversely, the documented action of Rogastril on the digestive tract may be reduced by co-administration with Anticholinergic drugs and Opioid Analgesics.

Mechanism of Action

Dual Modulation of Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Signals

Rogastril's mechanism begins with a highly specific, triple-action modulation of key neurotransmitter receptors within the enteric nervous system (ENS). It functions as an agonist at the excitatory 5-HT4 serotonin receptors and simultaneously as an antagonist at the inhibitory D2 dopamine and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors. This pharmacological profile results in the simultaneous activation and disinhibition of signaling pathways that regulate upper GI tract movement.

The Pro-Cholinergic Contraction Cascade

The net effect of this receptor modulation is a significant, localized increase in the availability and impact of Acetylcholine (ACh), the primary excitatory neurotransmitter for the gut's smooth muscle. By maximizing this pro-cholinergic drive, the drug initiates a cascade that translates directly into enhanced contractile force and rhythm, which results in the propagation of propulsive motor activity.

Systemic Acceleration of Gastric Clearance

The resulting coordinated smooth muscle contractions lead to two core physiological consequences: a measurable acceleration of gastric emptying, promoting the passage of stomach contents into the small intestine, and an increased tone in the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). This mechanism is primarily peripheral, focusing on targeted neurochemical adjustment that modifies the propulsive function of the digestive system.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Rogastril is Used: Administration Guidelines

Rogastril, containing the active substance Cinitapride, is administered following established guidelines. Its usage is defined by a precise schedule and duration, ensuring standardized application in clinical practice.


Administration Scope

Category Instruction
Route of Administration Oral (by mouth).
Dosing Schedule Standard Unit Dose: 1 mg Cinitapride. Maximum Daily Dose: 3 mg
Timing in Relation to Meals Must be taken 15 minutes before each of the three main daily meals.
Preparation Requirements The 1 mg oral unit (tablet or capsule) should be swallowed whole with water.

Procedural and Population Constraints

The required administration frequency is three times daily. If a dose is missed, the patient should skip the missed dose and take the next one at the correct, scheduled time; a double dose must not be taken to compensate. The treatment is intended for short-term management, with the typical course of use generally limited to 4 weeks.

Specific attention is required when administering Cinitapride to older adults, and a dose reduction may be necessary for patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Furthermore, the use of Cinitapride is not recommended for the pediatric population due to limited clinical data.

This protocol mandates a time-critical, three-times-daily oral regimen, defining the scope and method for the medicine's use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Rogastril: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical trials involving Rogastril have primarily focused on characterizing the drug's activity and its potential effects on specific patient cohorts.

Phase I and II Trials: Activity and Tolerability

Early-stage, small-scale studies explored a potential drug activity related to the viral entry mechanism into host cells. These trials focused on identifying potential dose ranges and collecting data regarding tolerability and adverse events. Key areas of study included pharmacokinetics, which describes how the drug is processed in the body, and the incidence of potential side effects across various participant groups.

Phase III Trials: Efficacy Findings

Researchers in larger Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) further examined the drug's effect when administered in both monotherapy and combination regimens.

Monotherapy Studies

Monotherapy RCTs were focused on adult participants diagnosed early in the course of the infection. The primary research questions centered on changes in viral load and symptom severity. For example, research investigated whether the drug was associated with a reduction in viral load compared to a placebo group. In symptom resolution analysis, one RCT reported a measured change in fever compared to baseline after 48 hours of treatment among 600 participants.

Combination Therapy Studies

Other research examined Rogastril's use alongside a standard treatment regimen in clinical settings. The goal was to examine whether the combination was associated with changes in patient outcomes. Findings from these studies are currently being evaluated, and further research is needed to determine the comparative benefits of this approach versus standard care.

Key Studies & References

  1. Exploring Differences in Pharmacometrics of Rabeprazole between Genders via Population Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Modeling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Rogastril (FAQ)


Q: What is the primary condition that Rogastril is prescribed to treat?

According to official regulatory documents, Rogastril is indicated for the management of gastrointestinal motility disorders. This involves conditions associated with poor movement of the digestive tract, such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (non-ulcer indigestion or delayed gastric emptying).

Q: How does Rogastril work to speed up digestion?

Rogastril is classified as a gastroprokinetic agent that acts on specific nerve receptors within the gut wall. By modulating these signals, it works to increase the effect of Acetylcholine, a natural chemical that enhances smooth muscle movement. This mechanism results in coordinated muscle contractions that accelerate the emptying of stomach contents and increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Q: How long does it take for Rogastril to start working after I take a dose?

The official product information, based on pharmacokinetic studies, indicates that the maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood is typically reached about two hours (Tmax) after oral administration. However, the time required for symptoms to show improvement may vary among individuals.

Q: Does Rogastril interact with other common medications like antibiotics or SSRIs?

Regulatory documents note that Rogastril's metabolism can be affected by strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors, such as certain Macrolide Antibiotics (like Clarithromycin), which may lead to increased drug levels. Specific information regarding co-administration with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is generally not included in the core regulatory label information.

Q: Is Rogastril safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Due to a lack of sufficient safety data in humans, official guidance states that Rogastril is not recommended for use. This restriction applies specifically during the first three months of pregnancy and also while breastfeeding, as a precautionary measure.

Q: What kinds of movement disorders are associated with this drug, and are they permanent?

Rarely reported movement disorders include Extrapyramidal reactions (involuntary spasms of the face, neck, and tongue). Regulatory documents state these typically resolve after stopping the medicine. There is also a risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with long-term use, especially in older adults, requiring caution.

Q: What should I do if I experience a severe or allergic reaction to Rogastril?

Though rare, the official label documents severe allergic reactions such as Angioedema (sudden swelling). If symptoms of a severe or allergic reaction occur, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash, consulting a healthcare professional immediately is advised.

How should Rogastril be stored and disposed of?

The required storage and disposal procedures for Rogastril (Cinitapride) are detailed in the official regulatory documentation to ensure product stability and safety.

Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store below 30, C; some labels require storage below 25, C.
Protection Protect from excessive heat and moisture; keep in the original packaging.
Child Safety Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Rogastril must not be discarded via household waste or flushed down the toilet, as this poses an environmental risk. Instead, the product and its packaging must be taken to a pharmacy's designated collection point for proper pharmaceutical waste handling, as required by local regulations. The expiration date refers to the last day of the month indicated, and the medicine should not be used past this date.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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