Effect of sumatriptan on gastric emptying: a crossover study using the BreathID system

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Sumatriptan is a widely used medication for migraines.
• Gastric emptying plays a crucial role in drug absorption and overall gastrointestinal function.
• The effect of sumatriptan on gastric motility requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of oral sumatriptan on the rate of gastric emptying.
• To quantify changes in gastric emptying parameters using a continuous ¹³C breath test.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, 2-way crossover study involving 10 healthy male volunteers.
• Gastric emptying was assessed using a continuous ¹³C-acetic acid breath test (BreathID system) after a standardized test meal.
• Key parameters including half-emptying time (T(1/2)), lag time (T(lag)), gastric emptying coefficient (GEC), and regression constants (β, κ) were calculated.

Main Results:

• Oral sumatriptan significantly delayed gastric emptying, evidenced by increased T(1/2) (P=0.0016) and T(lag) (P=0.0125).
• A significant increase in the regression constant β (P=0.0284) was observed with sumatriptan.
• No significant differences were found in the GEC or κ between sumatriptan and control conditions.

Conclusions:

• Oral sumatriptan administration significantly delays gastric emptying of a liquid meal.
• These findings suggest potential implications for the absorption of orally administered drugs when taken concurrently with sumatriptan.
• The ¹³C breath test provides a reliable method for assessing drug-induced alterations in gastric motility.