The current status of gastric prokinetic drugs

Several current gastrokinetic drugs (metoclopramide, domperidone, cisapride) are analysed in this review. After comparing the pharmacokinetics, the gastrointestinal prokinetic mechanisms and the side effects of each drug, their therapeutic uses are reviewed. All drugs improve symptoms of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, diabetic gastroparesis and idiopathic gastroparesis, but only cisapride seems capable to maintain a gastrokinetic effect under chronic administration. Erythromycin, which has a dramatic effect on hypomotility in diabetic gastroparesis, and opioid antagonists, may constitute new groups of efficient prokinetic drugs.