Cidine (Cinitapride) in Spain: What It Is For
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Cidine is cinitapride, a Spanish prescription medicine for slow-stomach indigestion and reflux. What it treats, its risks and the medicines to avoid.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Cidine is the Spanish brand of cinitapride, a prescription medicine that helps the stomach empty and move food along. In Spain it is used for mild to moderate indigestion caused by a slow stomach, and as an add-on for acid reflux when acid medicine alone is not enough. Cinitapride is not sold in the UK.
- Cidine (cinitapride) is a prokinetic: it helps the stomach and gut move food along.
- It needs a prescription in Spain. It comes as tablets and as an oral solution.
- Rarely it causes stiff or jerky movements you cannot control. Tell a doctor at once if this happens.
- Some antifungals and antibiotics can raise its level in the blood. Tell the doctor what else you take.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Cidine used for?
The Spanish product information lists two uses for cinitapride:
- Indigestion from a slow stomach (dispepsia tipo dismotilidad), when it is mild to moderate. This feels like fullness after small meals, bloating, early satiety or nausea.
- Acid reflux (GERD), as an add-on, when an acid reducer such as omeprazole has not been enough on its own.
It does not reduce acid. It works on the muscles of the gut, so the stomach empties sooner. That is why it is paired with an acid medicine for reflux, not used instead of one.
In Spain you will find it as tablets (comprimidos) and as an oral solution (solución oral). Packs come in different forms; the doctor and the leaflet set how much to take and for how long.
Is cinitapride sold in the UK or the US?
No UK product exists. The UK medicines database lists no cinitapride product, and it is not among the medicines marketed in the US. It is sold in Spain and in several countries in Latin America and Asia. If you are used to UK or US care, these are the medicines a doctor there might use for similar problems. They belong to the same broad family or do a related job, but they are not the same medicine.
| Medicine | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Cidine (cinitapride) | Prokinetic for slow-stomach indigestion and add-on for reflux | Spain (prescription) |
| Metoclopramide | Prokinetic and anti-sickness medicine | Spain, UK, US (prescription) |
| Domperidone | Prokinetic and anti-sickness medicine | Spain, UK (prescription) |
| Omeprazole | Acid reducer (proton pump inhibitor) | Spain, UK, US |
Do not swap one for another on your own. Bring the box or a photo of it to any doctor you see. Our omeprazole guide explains the acid reducer side.
Do you need a prescription for Cidine in Spain?
Yes. Both Cidine tablets and Cidine oral solution are listed as medicamento sujeto a prescripción médica on the AEMPS CIMA database. A pharmacy can only dispense it with a valid prescription. You can check other medicines in our guide to which medicines need a prescription in Spain.
Bloating, fullness or reflux that keeps coming back?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He looks at your symptoms and the medicines you already take, and explains the options.
Why does the leaflet warn about movements you cannot control?
Cinitapride acts on the same kind of nerve signals as some medicines for sickness and mental health. In rare cases it can cause extrapyramidal reactions: stiff neck, a twisted face, a tongue that pokes out, or jerky movements you cannot stop.
With long use, mostly in older people, it can cause tardive dyskinesia. This means repeated movements of the face, mouth, trunk or limbs. They can start months after the medicine is stopped. For this reason the doctor keeps the course as short as possible and reviews it.
Stop taking it and contact a doctor straight away if you notice any new movement you cannot control.
Which medicines should not be mixed with Cidine?
The body clears cinitapride through a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Medicines that block this enzyme can raise its level. The product information names:
- Azole antifungals: ketoconazole, itraconazole, miconazole and fluconazole.
- Macrolide antibiotics: erythromycin and clarithromycin.
- Some HIV medicines: ritonavir and indinavir.
- Nefazodone, an antidepressant.
Other points from the leaflet:
- It may lower the effect of digoxin, a heart medicine.
- It can add to the effects of medicines for the nerves, sleep and strong pain.
- Medicines for Parkinson's, some gut spasm medicines and opioids can make it work less well.
- Alcohol, sleeping tablets and sedatives make drowsiness worse. Do not drink alcohol while you take it.
Who should not take Cidine?
- People with bleeding, a blockage or a tear in the stomach or gut.
- People who have had tardive dyskinesia from antipsychotic medicines.
- Children and teenagers: the leaflet does not advise it, as there is not enough experience.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: the leaflet says it is better to avoid it. The doctor decides.
- People with an intolerance to some sugars: the tablets contain lactose.
It can make you drowsy. The leaflet says not to drive or use dangerous machines while you take it.
What Cidine does not treat
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding. These need tests and other treatment.
- Reflux on its own. For reflux it is only an add-on to an acid reducer.
- Food poisoning, gastroenteritis or a blocked bowel.
- Chest pain that may come from the heart. Heart pain can feel like indigestion.
Our pages on heartburn, GERD and abdominal pain explain what a doctor checks.
Side effects and warning signs
Mild drowsiness is the side effect the leaflet lists most. It also lists rash and itching, breast growth in men and milk from the breast, without saying how often they happen. See a doctor soon if you have indigestion and:
- Food feels stuck, or it hurts to swallow.
- You lose weight without trying.
- You keep being sick.
- You are over 55 and the symptoms are new or have changed.
- You notice any new movement you cannot control.
Call 112 if you vomit blood or something like coffee grounds, or pass black, tarry stools. Also call 112 for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or chest pain with breathlessness or sweating.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask what you feel, when it comes and what you have tried.
- Look for warning signs that need tests or an in-person exam.
- Check your other medicines for the mixes listed above.
- Explain whether a prokinetic, an acid reducer or a change in habits suits you.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cidine?
The Spanish brand of cinitapride, a prokinetic medicine. It helps the stomach empty. It is used for indigestion from a slow stomach and as an add-on for acid reflux.
Is Cidine sold over the counter in Spain?
No. Cidine tablets and oral solution need a prescription in Spain.
Is there a UK or US version of cinitapride?
No. It is not sold in the UK or the US. Doctors there may use other medicines, such as metoclopramide or an acid reducer, for similar problems.
Can I take Cidine with antibiotics or antifungals?
Some of them raise its level, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole and fluconazole. Tell the doctor and pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Does Cidine make you sleepy?
It can. The leaflet says not to drive or use dangerous machines while you take it, and not to drink alcohol.
When is indigestion an emergency?
Call 112 if you vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools, or have chest pain. Trouble swallowing or weight loss needs a doctor soon.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Cidine tablets package leaflet
- AEMPS CIMA: Cidine product information
- MedlinePlus: Tardive dyskinesia
- NHS: Indigestion
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
