Prokinetic agent

Prokinetic agent is a type of drug that enhances gastrointestinal motility by increasing the frequency or strength of contractions, but without disrupting their rhythm. The primary use of prokinetic agents is in the management of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and functional dyspepsia.

Mechanism of Action

Prokinetic agents work by stimulating the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, to increase the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. They can also enhance the tightening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to prevent acid reflux.

Types of Prokinetic Agents

There are several types of prokinetic agents, including:

• Metoclopramide: This drug works by blocking the dopamine receptors in the digestive tract, which increases muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract.
• Domperidone: This medication also works by blocking dopamine receptors, but it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which reduces the risk of neurological side effects.
• Erythromycin: This is an antibiotic that also has prokinetic properties. It works by binding to motilin receptors in the stomach, which stimulates contractions.

Side Effects

Like all medications, prokinetic agents can cause side effects. These may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

In rare cases, prokinetic agents can cause serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntary movements.

See Also

• Gastrointestinal tract
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastroparesis
• Functional dyspepsia