From the Research
Itopride is primarily used to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, particularly functional dyspepsia, with a typical dosage of 50 mg three times daily, taken before meals, as supported by the most recent study 1. The mechanism of action of itopride involves enhancing gastric motility and increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure, acting as both a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which helps improve gastric emptying and reduces symptoms like nausea, bloating, and early satiety. When starting itopride, patients should take it consistently at the prescribed times for optimal effect. It's generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild side effects such as headache, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If side effects persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider. Itopride is not recommended for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation. It should be used cautiously in patients with liver or kidney disease, as dosage adjustments may be necessary. Key benefits of itopride include:
- Improvement in symptoms of functional dyspepsia, such as nausea, bloating, and early satiety
- Enhancement of gastric motility and increase in lower esophageal sphincter pressure
- Well-tolerated with minimal side effects
- Can be used in combination with other therapies, such as proton pump inhibitors, for optimal effect While itopride can provide significant relief for many patients with functional dyspepsia, it's essential to combine medication with lifestyle modifications, such as:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding trigger foods
- Managing stress and anxiety As supported by the study 1, itopride has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, particularly when used in combination with a proton pump inhibitor.