The efficacy and tolerability of cisapride in chronic dyspepsia was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After 4 weeks' treatment with oral cisapride 10 mg three times daily (n = 14), bloating and epigastric discomfort were significantly reduced compared with placebo (n = 15; p < 0.05). Moreover, the global response to treatment was excellent or good in 71.4% of patients in the cisapride group versus 20.0% with placebo. No significant side effects were observed. It is concluded that cisapride is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic dyspepsia.