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Prokinetics: What They Do, Medicines

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Prokinetics are medicines that help the stomach and gut move food along and help the stomach empty. Some, such as domperidone, also act on the part of the brain that triggers vomiting, so they are used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Examples include domperidone, metoclopramide and itopride.

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How do Prokinetics work?

Most prokinetics block dopamine, a chemical messenger that slows the muscles of the stomach and gut. With dopamine blocked, the stomach empties faster and the valve at the top of the stomach tightens.

Active ingredients of this type

These active ingredients belong to Prokinetics. They are listed A to Z.

  • Domperidone: Domperidone is a medicine used to relieve nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting.

Common questions

Are prokinetics the same as antacids or PPIs?

No. Antacids neutralise stomach acid and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower how much acid the stomach makes. Prokinetics do not change acid; they help the stomach empty. Some combination medicines contain a PPI and a prokinetic together, such as pantoprazole with domperidone.

Do prokinetics have serious side effects?

They can. Domperidone can rarely cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem, more often in people over 60 or at higher doses. Metoclopramide can cause uncontrolled movements, especially in young people. This is why regulators have limited their dose and how long they are taken. Follow your doctor's advice.

Sources

  1. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
  2. ATC/DDD Index: A03FA Propulsives. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
  3. Domperidone 1 mg/ml Oral Suspension: Summary of Product Characteristics. electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK
  4. CMDh confirms recommendations on restricting use of domperidone-containing medicines. European Medicines Agency
  5. European Medicines Agency recommends changes to the use of metoclopramide (26 July 2013). European Medicines Agency