Itopride
About
Itopride belongs to a class of drugs called 'gastroprokinetics' primarily used in the treatment of the disorders associated with reduced gastrointestinal motility. Besides this, Itopride also treats gastrointestinal disorders like dyspepsia (indigestion), bloating (feeling of stomach tightness due to gas), upper abdominal pain, anorexia (eating disorder), heartburn, nausea and vomiting. In the normal condition of digestion, the food is moved through the entire digestive tract (food pipe, stomach, small intestine and large intestine) by a rhythmic contraction, i.e. peristalsis movement. This regular movement of the digestive tract is called 'gastric motility.' When an individual suffers from a digestive motility problem, these contractions of the digestive tract do not work properly, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
Itopride contains 'Itopride' that works by increasing the level of acetylcholine concentration which in turn increases the Gastrointestinal peristalsis movement thereby, accelerating gastric emptying time and eases the movement of food through the entire gastrointestinal tract. Itopride also stops the sensation of vomiting/nausea by blocking the D2 receptors located in the chemoreceptor trigger zone - CTZ of the brain responsible for inducing vomiting.
Take Itopride as prescribed. Your doctor will advise how often you take Itopride based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, dry mouth or drowsiness. Most of these side effects of Itopride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Itopride or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Itopride is not recommended for children below 16 years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Itopride. If you have Parkinson's disease, internal bleeding of stomach and intestine, please consult a doctor before taking Itopride. If you notice dark, coffee-coloured stools or blood in stools, contact your doctor immediately as these might be signs of bleeding in the stomach.
Uses of Itopride
Medicinal Benefits
Itopride is a gastroprokinetics (enhance the movement of food from mouth through stomach and intestines) that is used for treating gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, vomiting, nausea, bloating (stomach feels swollen due to build-up of gas), non-ulcer dyspepsia (indigestion), discomfort or pain in the stomach. Itopride prevents heartburn by enhancing the movement of food through stomach and intestines. Also, Itopride acts on chemoreceptor trigger zone (area that triggers vomiting) in the brain and prevents vomiting.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Itopride
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Patients with reduced kidney or liver functions should be monitored carefully and dose should be adjusted accordingly. Itopride may be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding or pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Itopride. If you notice dark, coffee coloured stools or blood in stools, contact your doctor immediately as these might be signs of bleeding in stomach. Do not take Itopride if you have increased gastrointestinal haemorrhage (internal bleeding of intestine and stomach), gastrointestinal motility (movement of food from mouth through stomach and intestine), mechanical perforation or obstruction as it may worsen the condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Itopride may have interaction with anticholinergic agents (dicyclomine, trihexyphenidyl, ipratropium, belladonna alkaloids, benztropine mesylate, flavoxate, atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine).
Drug- Food Interaction: Itopride may interact with grapefruit juice. Therefore, avoid intake of grapefruit juice with Itopride as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Do not use Itopride in patients with Parkinson’s disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Lapp lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Itopride is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Itopride.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Itopride in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safety of Itopride in breastfeeding mother is unknown. Therefore, please consult a doctor.
Driving
cautionItopride may cause dizziness or reduce alertness in some people. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Itopride.
Liver
cautionTake Itopride with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Itopride with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeItopride is not recommended for children below 16 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid certain foods such as tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, spicy and fatty foods as they may cause heartburn or worsen the condition.
- Eat small portions of food frequently.
- Do regular exercise such as for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Maintain healthy body weight as obesity may also cause heartburn.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and quit smoking.
Special Advise
If you are suffering from rare hereditary problems of Lapp lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption, avoid taking Itopride as it contains lactose.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Gastric motility disorder: In the normal condition of digestion, the food is moved through the entire digestive tract (food pipe, stomach, small intestine and large intestine) by a rhythmic contraction, i.e. peristalsis movement. This regular movement of the digestive tract is called 'gastric motility.' When an individual suffers from a digestive motility problem, these contractions of the digestive tract do not work properly, leading to a variety of gastrointestinal issues.
FAQs
Yes, Itopride may cause diarrhoea as a common side effect. However, if the condition persists, worsens with fever, watery stools or consistent stomach pain, please consult a doctor. Also, drink plenty of water while taking Itopride to prevent dehydration.
Yes, Itopride may cause gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in males) in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Itopride to experience this side effect. However, if you notice any signs of breast swelling, please consult a doctor immediately.
No, you are not recommended to take Itopride with dicyclomine as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the effect of Itopride. However, please consult your doctor before taking Itopride with other medicines.
No, Itopride is not recommended for patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage (internal bleeding of intestine and stomach) as it may lead to gastrointestinal perforation (ruptured bowel).
