27/09/2025
Itopride is a medication known as a prokinetic agent primarily used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
Here is a breakdown of what Itopride is, its mechanism of action, and its uses:
What Itopride is Used For
Itopride is prescribed to treat symptoms associated with reduced gastrointestinal (GI) motility, such as:
**Functional Dyspepsia (Indigestion): Alleviating symptoms like bloating, upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness (feeling full quickly after eating), early satiety, nausea, and vomiting.
**Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Helping to manage symptoms like heartburn by improving the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Chronic Gastritis Symptoms: Relieving nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain associated with inflammation of the stomach lining.
How Itopride Works (Mechanism of Action)
Itopride has a unique dual mechanism of action that enhances the movement (motility) of the stomach and intestines:
Dopamine \text{D}_2 Receptor Antagonism: Dopamine typically inhibits GI motility. By blocking the \text{D}_2 receptors in the gut, Itopride effectively removes this inhibitory effect, which leads to increased muscle contractions and faster gastric emptying.
Acetylcholinesterase (\text{AChE}) Inhibition: Itopride inhibits the enzyme \text{AChE}, which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (\text{ACh}). By inhibiting this enzyme, the concentration of \text{ACh} increases. \text{ACh} is a key neurotransmitter that stimulates smooth muscle contraction in the GI tract, thereby promoting peristalsis and overall motility.
The net effect is an increase in the speed and coordination of the digestive system, which helps food move more efficiently and reduces symptoms like nausea and bloating. It also has an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) effect due to its interaction with dopamine receptors.
Common Side Effects
Itopride is generally well-tolerated, but common side effects can include:
Diarrhea
Headache
Abdominal pain
Dizziness
Rarely, like other drugs in its class, it may cause an increase in the hormone prolactin (\text{hyperprolactinemia}). It is considered to have a more favorable safety profile (less risk of serious cardiac or central nervous system side effects) compared to some older prokinetic agents.
Note: Itopride is a prescription medication and should only be used under the direction and supervision of a healthcare professional
