Study with two prokinetics in functional dyspepsia and GORD: domperidone vs. cisapride

The HT4-agonist Cisapride (CIS) and the peripheral D2-antagonist Domperidone (DOMP) have distinct prokinetic actions. We compared their clinical efficacy in 127 dyspeptic patients. Patients with upper abdominal complaints of > 1 month duration, who had a normal UGE were allocated to the REFLUX-group (RG), (predominance of heartburn, acid regurgitation or retrosternal pain) or if devoid of this specific symptomatology to the DYSPEPSIA-group (DG) In a double-blind randomised fashion and allocated to 10 mg CIS or 20 mg DOMP qid (RG) or tid (DG) for 1 month and followed-up for further 2 months. In RG (N = 43, p < 0.05) the response rates were clearly in favour of CIS, but not in DG (N = 84). In RG DOMP was more effective against nausea. The benefit of both therapies was largely maintained in the follow-up period. Cisapride and domperidone were effective in the treatment of dyspepsia. Cisapride was more effective than domperidone in the REFLUX-Group.