Human pharmacology of renzapride: a new gastrokinetic benzamide without dopamine antagonist properties.

The activity of the substituted benzamide renzapride on the upper gastrointestinal tract has been investigated. It has been shown to enhance stomach emptying in normal subjects; doses of 2 and 5 mg decreasing by 21 and 37% respectively the volume of gastric contents aspirated 80 min after a test meal. Renzapride was found to reduce the oro-caecal transit time as assessed by the lactulose/breath hydrogen method in a dose related manner from 0.2 to 5 mg; the later dose producing a 62% reduction. Finally renzapride was shown not to elevate plasma prolactin at a dose of 5 mg, a finding consistent with lack of dopamine receptor antagonism.