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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
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Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor GIMM
Published on: December 1, 2010
31.1K
Effects of Prokinetics on the Digestive Tract
Paolo Usai-Satta1, Mariantonia Lai2, Francesco Oppia1
1Gastroenterology Unit, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy.
Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology
|August 30, 2021
Summary
Prokinetic drugs effectively treat digestive motility disorders and related symptoms. However, clinicians must carefully consider potential adverse events, such as arrhythmias and galactorrhea, associated with their use.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders frequently involve impaired gut motility.
- These conditions account for a significant portion of gastroenterology clinic visits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of prokinetic efficacy and safety.
- To summarize current knowledge on prokinetic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted on Pubmed, Medline, and Cochrane databases.
- Focused on studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of prokinetics.
Main Results:
- Prokinetics encompass various mechanisms, including dopamine antagonists and serotonin agonists.
- Approved agents like metoclopramide and prucalopride target specific motility disorders.
- Common side effects include QT prolongation-induced arrhythmias and galactorrhea due to prolactin stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Both novel and established prokinetics are effective for digestive motility issues.
- Careful monitoring for adverse events is crucial during prokinetic therapy.
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