title: Effect of itopride, a new prokinetic, in patients with mild GERD: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Itopride is a newly developed prokinetic agent, which enhances gastric motility through both antidopaminergic and anti-acetylcholinesterasic actions. The importance of esophageal motor dysfunction in the pathogenesis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) makes it interesting to examine the effect of itopride on esophageal acid exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effect of itopride on esophageal acid reflux variables for 24 h was studied in 26 patients with GERD symptoms, pre-entry total acid exposure time (pH<4) of more than 5% and mild esophagitis (Savary-Miller grades I, II) proven by endoscopy. Ambulatory 24-h pH-metry and symptom assessment were performed after treatments with 150 or 300 mg itopride thrice a day (t.i.d.) for 30 d in random order, using an open label method. For evaluating the safety of itopride, blood biochemical laboratory test was performed and the serum prolactin level was also examined before and after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total symptom score was significantly decreased after treatment in 150- or 300-mg group. Itopride 300 mg was significantly effective than 150 mg on decreasing the total per cent time with pH<4, total time with pH<4 and DeMeester score. No serious adverse effects were observed with administration of itopride in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Itopride 100 mg t.i.d. is effective on decreasing pathologic reflux in patient with GERD and therefore it has the potential to be effective in the treatment of this disease.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea.
authors: Yong Sung
authors: YS
authors: Kim
authors: Tae Hyeon
authors: TH
authors: Kim
authors: Chang Soo
authors: CS
authors: Choi
authors: Young Woo
authors: YW
authors: Shon
authors: Sang Wook
authors: SW
authors: Kim
authors: Geom Seog
authors: GS
authors: Seo
authors: Yong Ho
authors: YH
authors: Nah
authors: Myung Gyu
authors: MG
authors: Choi
authors: Suck Chei
authors: SC
authors: Choi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001549:Benzamides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001593:Benzyl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D001593:Benzyl Compounds; C102254:itopride