Dopamine antagonists in the upper gastrointestinal tract

Certain dopamine antagonists have gained increasing clinical use because of their effect on the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Dopamine, while acting through specific dopaminergic receptors, inhibits lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LOSP) and gastroduodenal motility. When given with dopamine, the specific dopamine antagonists metoclopramide and domperidone counteract these effects. When given alone, these agents elicit an increased LOSP and stimulate gastroduodenal motility and gastric emptying. They have consequently proved to be of value in certain cases of gastroparesis, and in relieving nausea and vomiting. They also appear to be useful in the management of reflux oesophagitis.