The Effect of Sulpiride on Gastric Motility

Abstract

Recordings of intragastric pressure have been undertaken before and af–er injection of sulpiride (N-ethyl-1 pyrrolidinyl-2 methyl methoxy-2 sulphamoyl-5 benzamide) in 20 patients with dyspepsia and peptic ulcer, utilizing a large-sized, flaccid plastic bag. Comparison was made of baseline pressure, and the number of contractions above a certain magnitude in 10-minute periods was counted before and after injection. Comparable areas of the curves were measured by planimetry before and after sulpiride injection. The results showed a stimulatory effect of sulpiride on gastric motility. This was most clearly shown by planimetry. Rhythmic activity was initiated, and already existing contractions increased in frequency and strength. In a few cases a general, tonic type of contraction was superadded. Baseline pressure was little affected by the drug. Theoretically the drug might be suitable for the treatment of gastric ulcer, since it increases motility and may prevent antral stasis.