Causes of GMD

Gastric motility disorder drug occur due to issues in the normal functioning of the stomach muscles. Some common causes that can lead to problems in gastric motility include-

- Gastroparesis- It is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. The most common cause of gastroparesis is diabetes which damages the vagus nerve responsible for controlling the stomach muscles.

- Gastric Atrophy- Long-term inflammation or damage to the stomach lining can cause the stomach walls to thin out. This reduces the strength of stomach contractions. Alcohol abuse and infection with H. pylori bacteria are major risk factors for gastric atrophy.

- Mechanical Blockage- Rarely, tumors, hernias or adhesions inside the stomach can physically obstruct food passage. This leads to impaired emptying.

- Neurological Disorders- Conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or following abdominal surgeries can disrupt the nerve supply to the stomach and impair its motion.

- Idiopathic- Sometimes the underlying cause of Gastric Motility Disorder Drug issues remains unknown and is considered idiopathic. Genetic predisposition may play a role in idiopathic cases.

Drugs Used to Treat GMD

Depending on the underlying cause, doctors utilize different types of gastric motility disorder drugs to improve symptoms-

Prokinetic Agents

These drugs work by enhancing the strength and frequency of stomach contractions. Common prokinetic medications include-

- Metoclopramide- It is one of the most widely used prokinetic drugs. It acts on dopamine receptors in the digestive tract and brain to promote gastric emptying.

- Domperidone- Similar in action to metoclopramide but with fewer side effects on the central nervous system. It has better safety profile.

- Erythromycin- A macrolide antibiotic which boosts motilin receptor activity. Motilin is a hormone controlling stomach emptying.

- Bethanechol- This cholinergic drug mimics the actions of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in gastric motility.

H2 Blockers and PPIs

Drugs like ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole help to reduce gastric acid production. This provides relief from reflux and allows the stomach muscles to contract effectively.

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