How Do Prokinetic Agents Work?

Prokinetic agents refer to a class of drugs that promote the passage of ingested material in the gastrointestinal tract. They are mainly beneficial for treating motion problems caused by various medical conditions and gastroesophageal reflux disorders. Prokinetic agents act in the following ways:

• Promote emptying of stomach contents
• Increase wave-like contractions in the esophagus
• Increase contractions in the stomach

Prokinetic agents induce all the above actions by stimulating excitatory chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) like acetylcholine and suppressing inhibitory neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These stimulate specific receptors on the smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract, thus promoting muscle contractions.

Prokinetic agents are administered intravenously or taken orally and are used to treat:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Diabetic gastroparesis (digestive condition caused by diabetes)
• Gastrointestinal dysmotility (muscles of the digestive system becomes impaired)
• Chronic constipation due to unknown causes

Prokinetic agents can cause some side effects, including:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Migraine
• Decreased appetite
• Migraine
• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Sedation
• Impotence

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of prokinetic agents include:

• Cisapride
• Gimoti
• Metoclopramide
• Metoclopramide intranasal
• Metozolv odt
• Motegrity
• Propulsid
• Prucalopride
• Reglan