Effects of oral domperidone on gastric emptying and motility. A double-blind comparison with placebo and metoclopramide.

The effects of an oral treatment with domperidone on the gastric motor function were investigated in a double-blind study, including 129 patients, referred to the department of radiology for barium meal examination. None of them had an organic obstruction or had had previous gastrointestinal surgery. The patients received either domperidone (50, 20 or 10 mg), metoclopramide (20 mg) or a placebo. The medication was given 30 min before the intake of the barium meal in order to stimulate therapeutic conditions. During the barium meal examination, an assessment was made of the peristaltic activity of the antrum, the gastric emptying and the small bowel transit time. As to these parameters, 50 mg and 20 mg domperidone and 20 mg metoclopramide were significantly superior to the placebo.