Effects of rabeprazole sodium on gastric emptying, electrogastrography, and fullness

Proton pump inhibitors have been reported to delay gastric emptying, but this effect is controversial. Our aim was to determine the effect of rabeprazole sodium on several parameters of gastric function including gastric emptying, myoelectrical activity and ingested water volume required to produce fullness. Fifteen healthy males underwent assessment of solid-phase gastric emptying with the [13C] Spirulina platensis breath test as well as electrogastrography and satiety testing using a 5-min water load. Subjects were evaluated at baseline, after administration of placebo, and after rabeprazole sodium 20 mg daily for one week. No significant differences were seen between groups with respect to solid-phase gastric emptying as measured by T1/2 or T(lag). No differences were seen between baseline, placebo, and rabeprazole with respect to the number of normal electrogastrograms and the volume of water required to produce fullness. In conclusion, one week of therapy with rabeprazole sodium does not significantly alter gastric emptying, myoelectrical activity or threshold to fullness.