Itopride

Itopride is a prokinetic medicine used to relieve symptoms associated with delayed stomach emptying and upper gastrointestinal disorders.

Itopride is commonly used for:

• Functional dyspepsia: Relieves upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, a feeling of fullness after eating, nausea, and heartburn caused by slow stomach emptying.
• Symptoms of chronic gastritis: Relieves symptoms such as postprandial fullness, upper abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and bloating associated with chronic gastritis.
• Gastroparesis: Assists in conditions where the stomach empties too slowly, causing persistent nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
• Nausea and vomiting: Controls nausea and vomiting related to digestive disorders or sluggish gut movement.
• Bloating and abdominal distension: Reduces the feeling of abdominal fullness and gas caused by impaired gastrointestinal motility.

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain 
• Headache

Itopride works by increasing the movement of food through the stomach and upper digestive tract through a dual mechanism that raises the levels of acetylcholine a chemical that stimulates gut contractions.

Itopride acts in two complementary ways:

• Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism: Dopamine normally slows down gut movement. Itopride blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the stomach and intestines, removing this slowing effect and allowing the gut to contract more efficiently and move food forward.
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: Acetylcholine is the key chemical that stimulates gut contractions. An enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) normally breaks down acetylcholine, reducing its effect. Itopride blocks this enzyme, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. This leads to higher acetylcholine levels, which stimulate stronger and more coordinated stomach contractions.

The combined result of these two actions is:

• Faster gastric emptying (food moves out of the stomach more quickly)
• Reduced bloating and nausea
• Improved symptoms associated with reduced gastrointestinal motility
• Improved coordination between the stomach and the duodenum (upper small intestine)

Unlike some older prokinetics, Itopride does not cross into the brain in significant amounts, reducing the risk of central nervous system side effects.