Women who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking prokinetics with a physician. Cisapride has caused birth defects in animal studies and is known to pass into breast milk. Metocopramide has not been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies, but it does pass into breast milk.

Children may be more sensitive than adults to the potential side effects associated with cisapride. In addition, children who take metocopramide may experience muscle spasms of the jaw, neck and back, and may experience jerking movements of the head and face. Blood problems can develop in infants who take high doses of metoclopramide.

Older adults may be more sensitive than younger adults to the potential side effects associated with cisapride. Older adults who take metoclopramide for a long period of time may experience symptoms such as shuffling walk and trembling or shaking hands. Older patients with impaired kidney function may need to adjust their dosage level.