Gastroduodenal motility--a comparison between domperidone and metoclopramide

Domperidone (Motilium) speeds the emptying rate of the smallest particle size of a digestible solid (radioactive cubed liver) but has no effect on the emptying rate of 400 ml of 5% dextrose in the normal canine stomach. Conversely, metoclopramide (Maxolon) speeds the emptying of the liquid, but slows the emptying rate of the digestible solid. The effect of domperidone on canine gastric electrical activity is to increase the frequency and strength of action potentials in the stomach after fasting and to slow the rate of discharge of the pacesetter potential, an effect similar to that seen after feeding.