Prolongation of gastric emptying by oral propantheline

Abstract

The present study shows that a single oral recommended dose of propantheline bromide normally doubles the mean gastric half-emptying time in man. In a prospective, double-blind, randomized crossover design 13 normal subjects were given 30 mg propantheline or placebo 90 min before taking a l l Sm-indium-labeled liquid test meal, the volume of which was adjusted to body weight . The disappearance of radioisotope from the area of the stomach was determined by external gamma counting . After placebo the mean half-emptying time was 68 min and after propantheline it was 135 min (p < 0.005). Although salivary fiow decreased and pulse rate increased there were no visual disturbances . In studies already reported maximally tolerated oral doses of quaternary ammonium anticholinergic drugs have not consistently retarded gastric emptying in man.