Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

People who suffer from gastroparesis are finding treatment for their condition is an ongoing battle.

Gastroparesis is a digestive disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Literally, gastroparesis means “stomach paralysis,” and those who suffer from the condition can suffer a host of conditions including bloating, nausea, early fullness while eating meals, heartburn, and epigastric pain. Weight loss and poor absorption of nutrients are also serious are other serious outcomes of the disease.

Only a few medications are available to treat gastroparesis, including metoclopramide, domperidone, erythomycin and cisapride.

Metocloparmide, known in the U.S. by the brand name Reglan, works to stimulate stomach contraction. Reglan, however, has been linked to a serious and debilitating involuntary movement disorder called Tardive Dyskinesia, and now carries a black box warning.

Domperidone is similar to metoclopramide but does not carry the same risk of Tardive Dyskinesia. Domperidone is available in Mexico, Canada and some European countries but is not yet available in the U.S.

Erythomycin is a common antibiotic that works to stimulate receptors in the intestines and stomach. Most patients have a high likelihood of developing tolerance to the medication.

Cisapride is a medication that binds to serotonin receptors in the stomach wall and encourages the contraction of the stomach muscles. In the late 1990s, the medication was taken off the market because of complications of cardiac arrhythmia in patients who used the drug. The drug is back on the market for limited use and is not recommended for people with underlying kidney or heart disease.

An emerging therapy is showing promise for people who suffer from gastroparesis. Octreotide, a medication used to treat diarrhea, has been shown in a study among patients with scleroderma to speed up the emptying of stomach contents. Another study indicated the medication decreased the uncomfortable sensation of fullness following a meal. While the studies look promising, researchers say more studies are needed to determine if octreotide is a viable option for patients with gastroparesis.

Source: American College of Gastroenterology

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• Lactation specialist warns against use of Reglan
• Patients with gastroparesis should weigh treatment options

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