Prokinetic drugs

Prokinetic drugs are a type of pharmacological agent that enhances gastrointestinal motility by increasing the frequency or strength of contractions, but without disrupting their rhythm. They are used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and constipation.

Mechanism of Action

Prokinetic drugs work by stimulating the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, to increase the speed at which the contents of the tract move. They do this by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for the contractions of the smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract.

Types of Prokinetic Drugs

There are several types of prokinetic drugs, including:

• Metoclopramide: This drug works by blocking the dopamine receptors in the brain and gastrointestinal tract, which in turn increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract.

• Domperidone: Domperidone also works by blocking dopamine receptors, but unlike metoclopramide, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it has fewer side effects.

• Erythromycin: Although primarily an antibiotic, erythromycin can also act as a prokinetic drug by binding to motilin receptors in the stomach, thereby stimulating gastric motility.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, prokinetic drugs can have side effects. These can include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, they can also cause serious neurological side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia, a disorder characterized by involuntary movements.

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Neurotransmitter
• Gastrointestinal disorders