Prokinetic medications include which drug?

Prokinetic medications include which drug?

• A. Metoclopramide (Reglan)
• B. Ondansetron
• C. Loperamide
• D. Diphenhydramine

Answer: (A)

Prokinetic medications are drugs that actively enhance the movement of the GI tract, especially the stomach, to promote gastric emptying and reduce symptoms from delayed gastric emptying. Metoclopramide fits this role well because it works in two ways: it blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the gut, which normally inhibit acetylcholine release and slow motility, and it also has a peripheral 5-HT4 agonist effect that further stimulates acetylcholine release to boost upper GI peristalsis. This combination increases gastric emptying and helps with nausea related to slowed motility. The other options don’t promote GI movement. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to prevent nausea, not to increase motility. Loperamide slows intestinal transit to treat diarrhea, not to accelerate it. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects used for allergy symptoms and some antiemetic effects, but it does not act as a prokinetic.

Prokinetic medications are drugs that actively enhance the movement of the GI tract, especially the stomach, to promote gastric emptying and reduce symptoms from delayed gastric emptying. Metoclopramide fits this role well because it works in two ways: it blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the gut, which normally inhibit acetylcholine release and slow motility, and it also has a peripheral 5-HT4 agonist effect that further stimulates acetylcholine release to boost upper GI peristalsis. This combination increases gastric emptying and helps with nausea related to slowed motility.

The other options don’t promote GI movement. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to prevent nausea, not to increase motility. Loperamide slows intestinal transit to treat diarrhea, not to accelerate it. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects used for allergy symptoms and some antiemetic effects, but it does not act as a prokinetic.