THE PROKINETIC EFFECT OF ITOPRIDE, A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH METOCLOPRAMIDE

The motor function of GIT can be modulated by prokinetics or myorelaxant drugs depending on the nature of the disorder. There is a frequent need for facilitation of gastric emptying in treatment of functional dyspepsia. Among prokinetic drugs used there are compounds belonging to cholinergic and adrenolytic classes. In addition, drugs having affinity for serotonin, motilin and opioid receptors, also participate in alleviating delayed gastric emptying. Itopride is a prokinetic that acts via blocking D₂ receptors in addition to inhibition of choline esterase. Metoclopramide prokinetic effect on the other hand is mediated through D₂ receptor blockade. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the two prokinetic drugs (itopride and metoclopramide) on the motility of different parts of GIT.
 The results of the present work demonstrated that both itopride and metoclopramide produced significant increments in the amplitude of contraction of fundus stomach of rats, pylorus, jejunum and colon of rabbit in a concentration – dependent manner, It was also proved that itopride is more potent as a prokinetic on these parts of GIT which is evident by the low ED50 of itopride compared to that of metoclopramide. In conclusion, itopride is preferred as a prokinetic than metoclopramide because it has higher potency in addition to acceleration of upper and lower GIT motility.