Martin Huorka
A wide range of dyspeptic symptoms in clinical practice reflects the high prevalence of disorders of the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract. Prokinetic agents are the current mainstay of the therapy for this kind of dyspepsia. Among these drugs in
clinical practice, itopride holds a crucial role in the management of these conditions with defective motility. The therapeutic
potential of itopride is interconnected with a dual effect: influencing enzyme acetylcholinesterase activity and
blocking dopamine D2 receptors. After the itopride administration, the contractility of smooth muscles in the upper GI
tract increases. Itopride is a drug with rapid absorption from the small bowel; its peak serum concentration occurs 35
minutes after oral administration. Itopride does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier and does not affect the heart rate
by influencing the QT segment. Itopride is a safe prokinetic agent with a positive impact on the symptoms of functionally
and organically caused dyspepsia such as postprandial fullness, bloating, and gastric emptying. Itopride could
also be used for the therapy of the mild form of gastro-oesophageal reflux.