Prokinetics are means to stimulate intestinal motility. They are prescribed for various diseases of the stomach and intestines in order to eliminate symptoms. We analyzed two representatives of this group — Ganaton and Motilium — how the means differ, and what is better.

Description of Ganaton

The drug Ganaton contains itopride. The drug improves the tone of the digestive tract and stimulates motility. The active substance also gives an antiemetic effect. Itopride hydrochloride acts through dopamine receptors, and domperidone, which is contained in Motilium, acts directly on them.

Taking Ganaton provokes the release of acetylcholine and inhibits its destruction, which provides a prolonged effect. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine accelerates the contraction of the muscles of the stomach and intestines, causing food to leave the digestive tract faster. This mechanism of action allows you to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of heartburn, heaviness, bloating, which is typical for gastritis.

Ganaton does not affect the production of gastric juice, which is its advantage. Taking the medicine improves overall well-being by eliminating unpleasant symptoms. After using the remedy, the action develops within half an hour. The effect lasts 6 hours.

Produced in tablets of 50 mg with engraving «HC 803». Manufactured in Germany and Japan by Abbott GmbH & Co. KG and Abbott Japan Co. Ltd. Released by prescription.

Research and effectiveness

According to «Holtmann G. Understanding functional dyspepsia & its treatment with itopride» // Medical Tribune. — 2006, the use of itoprid is the most optimal in terms of safety and efficacy. This opinion was also expressed at a symposium on the treatment of dyspepsia in 2005 in Montreal.

The Russian Gastroenterological Association in its guidelines for physicians provided a comparative description of the properties of various prokinetics, among which were itopride and domperidone.

As you can see, the substances are almost identical in action. It is important to consider the side effects and contraindications of each, because their safety profile is different.

Contraindications

Means Ganaton is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to the active substance. Prokinetic is also contraindicated under the age of 16 and during pregnancy.

Other restrictions on the use of Ganaton will be internal bleeding against the background of perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the period of breastfeeding.

Side effects

Possible side effects are noted from different organs and systems. The risk of their occurrence depends on the dosage and duration of the treatment.

What side effects can there be from the use of prokinetic Ganaton:

1. hematopoiesis — thrombocytopenia and leukopenia;

2. allergic manifestations — anaphylaxis, hyperemia, pruritus;

3. Gastrointestinal tract — soreness in the abdomen, constipation, hypersalivation, jaundice, nausea;

4. CNS — tremor, headache;

5. endocrine system — gynecomastia, an increase in the concentration of prolactin.

If adverse events occur, stop taking the prokinetic and consult a doctor. You may need to lower your dosage or change your medication.

Dosage

The drug is prescribed 50 mg 3 times before meals. The recommended dosage is 150 mg/day. The dose may vary depending on the age of the patient and related disorders.

Who will suit

Ganaton is good for symptomatic treatment of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. The drug is often prescribed for non-ulcer dyspepsia to relieve symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, anorexia, bloating, and rapid satiety.

Description of Motilium

Motilium is a group of antiemetic drugs. The product contains domperidone, a dopamine antagonist. It has a peripheral effect on dopamine receptors. The main indication is to relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia.

When taken, domperidone increases the duration of duodenal and antral contractions. The tool improves the function of the esophageal sphincter and speeds up the passage of food through the digestive tract.

The drug is produced in Russia by Johnson & Johnson. Available in the form of conventional tablets and for resorption, as well as in suspension for oral administration.

Research and effectiveness

On February 19, 2014, the professional French magazine Prescrire published an article in which pharmacists write about the dangers of Motilium and its ability to cause sudden death. An independent journal called on the EMA to ban the drug, citing studies in Canada and Denmark. According to a hypothesis in the journal, there were 120 deaths in France in 2012 that could be attributed to the use of domperidone.

This attitude towards the substance is due to the fact that it is a neuroleptic and can cause heart rhythm disturbances. For people with severe heart disease, taking this remedy can be fatal. It is believed that it is in the presence of serious CCC diseases that Motilium increases the number of sudden cardiac deaths.

Contraindications

The medicine is not used under the age of 13, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

There are other contraindications to treatment with Motilium:

1. hypersensitivity to the components in the composition;

2. body weight less than 35 kg;

3. lactose intolerance;

4. bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract;

5. insufficiency of kidney function of moderate and severe degree;

6. heart disease and electrolyte disturbances;

7. prolactinoma;

8. chronic heart failure.

With severe violations of liver function, the drug is not used. With mild pathologies of the organ, dose adjustment is not required. In pediatric practice, only suspension is used.

Side effects

According to clinical studies, adverse reactions such as anxiety, depression, changes in libido, drowsiness, diarrhea, itching, gynecomastia are distinguished. Possible violation of the menstrual cycle, asthenia, enlargement of the mammary glands, akathisia.

Very rarely, the following unwanted symptoms may occur:

1. anaphylactic shock;

2. urinary retention;

3. angioedema and urticaria;

4. irritability, excitability, nervousness;

5. convulsions, extrapyramidal disorders.

Some epidemiological studies have shown that domperidone is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. The safety of the drug is still debated, with some scientists advocating a ban on the substance.

Dosage

The remedy is taken orally half an hour before a meal. The standard dosage for adults is 10 mg 3 times. The maximum dose is 30 mg. The duration of treatment is 7 days. Without instructions from the doctor, it is impossible to independently extend the period of treatment.

Who will suit

Motilium is used for dyspeptic disorders against the background of slow passage of food and reflux disease. The remedy helps with symptoms such as a feeling of fullness in the stomach, flatulence, sour taste in the mouth, heartburn, nausea.

Cost and analogues

Which drug is better

Ganaton and Motilium have the same therapeutic effect, but their active substances are different. The first remedy is considered safer and can be used for mild diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The advantage of Motilium is in the variety of dosage forms. It is allowed to give to children from 5 years in the form of a suspension. There is not much difference in price between drugs. The choice should be made by the attending physician after diagnosis and a detailed study of the history of the disease.