LEVOPRIDE

(Levosulpiride 25 mg tab.)

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Peripheral

It is a D2 receptor antagonist and thereby causes constriction of LES and also increases the peristaltic activity thus decreasing chances of reflux and heart burn and causes early gastric emptying and increases satiety. In addition, it has a 5HT4 agonist activity which also contributes to the same effect.

Central

It acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which lies outside the blood barrier it blocks the D2 receptors, thereby controlling nausea and vomiting either induced by signals coming from GI afferents or due to chemotherapy.

Thus to summarize Levosulpiride has a significant peripheral action as a D2 antagonist and a 5HT4 agonist.

In addition, In spite of having a central mechanism of action, it is a safe drug because, no extra pyramidal symptoms or sedation is encountered since it acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), which lies outside the blood brain barrier.

Highlights of Levopride

1. Levopride acts as antagonist o D2 receptors & agonist at 5-HT4 receptors in GI hence it produces potent prokinetic action.

2. Levopride antagonizes D2 receptor in the CTZ hence it acts as a potent antiemetic

3. Levopride reduces GI emptying time by 100 minutes.

4. Levopride relieves symptoms associated with Functional Dyspepsia like fullness, early satiety, Bloating, Belching, Nausea, Epigastric pain in much better way as compare to Domperidone & Metoclopramide.

5. Levopride increases Gall bladder motility.

6. Levopride controls Chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting much better than Metoclopramide.

7. Levopride does not cause EPS (Extra-Pyramidal Side Effects)

Indications :-

GERD, Functional Dyspepsia, IBS, Diabetic Gastroparesis

Dosage: - 1 Tab T I D