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What are Prokinetic Agents?

Prokinetic drugs help move food through your digestive system by stimulating muscle contractions in your gut. Normally, when you swallow food, your digestive system automatically contracts to move food down your throat, into your stomach, and into your intestines, allowing your body to absorb essential nutrients. However, some conditions can disrupt this natural process, leading to issues like constipation or heartburn.

Prokinetic agents can help restore normal digestive function, but they often come with significant side effects. As a result, healthcare providers usually try other treatments first, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. However, depending on your specific condition, you may be recommended a prokinetic agent to help get your digestive system moving again.

Prokinetic Agents Treat:

Check IconGastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach)
Check IconChronic constipation
Check IconFunctional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion)
Check IconGERD (chronic acid reflux)
Check IconNausea and vomiting
Check IconChronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
 

What are Prokinetic Agents?

Prokinetic drugs help move food through your digestive system by stimulating muscle contractions in your gut. Normally, when you swallow food, your digestive system automatically contracts to move food down your throat, into your stomach, and into your intestines, allowing your body to absorb essential nutrients. However, some conditions can disrupt this natural process, leading to issues like constipation or heartburn.

Prokinetic agents can help restore normal digestive function, but they often come with significant side effects. As a result, healthcare providers usually try other treatments first, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. However, depending on your specific condition, you may be recommended a prokinetic agent to help get your digestive system moving again.

Prokinetic Agents Treat:

Check IconGastroparesis (paralysis of the

stomach)
Check IconChronic constipation
Check IconFunctional dyspepsia

(chronic indigestion)
Check IconGERD (chronic acid reflux)  
Check IconNausea and vomiting
Check IconChronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

How Do Prokinetic Agents Work?

Prokinetics for Constipation

Prokinetic agents help your digestive system move food through your body by stimulating nerve contractions in your gut. These agents improve the movement of food from your oesophagus into your stomach, reducing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing back up into your oesophagus and causing heartburn and acid reflux.

Prokinetic agents also strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates your oesophagus and stomach. When the LES is weak, stomach acid can flow back up into your oesophagus, causing discomfort. By strengthening the LES, prokinetic agents help prevent this from happening.

In addition, prokinetic agents increase stomach contractions, moving food into your intestines more efficiently. This reduces the time it takes for your stomach to empty, minimising the opportunity for stomach contents to flow back up into your oesophagus and causing acid reflux symptoms.

Treatment At a Glance

Purpose

Purpose

Rectal prolapse
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

2-3 Hours
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

General
Recovery Time

Recovery Time

6-12 Weeks
Pain

Pain

Moderate
Drive

Drive

After 2 weeks

Benefits of Prokinetic Agents

Improved Digestion

Prokinetic drugs enhance the movement of food through the digestive system, reducing bloating and discomfort.

Relief from Constipation

By stimulating bowel movements, prokinetic drugs help alleviate constipation and promote regular bowel habits.

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

By promoting efficient movement of food through the digestive system, prokinetic drugs ensure better nutrient absorption.

Improved Gut Motility

Prokinetic drugs enhance the natural muscle contractions in the gut, promoting a healthy digestive process.

Non-Invasive Option

Most prokinetic agents are administered orally, making them a non-invasive and convenient treatment option for patients.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Prokinetic drugs can significantly improve digestive health, leading to enhanced overall well-being and better mental clarity.

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Cost of Prokinetic Agents

Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders

Patient Testimonials

Mr Chaudhri is an excellent surgeon I can’t thank him enough for the operations he performed on me after i was diagnosed with bowel cancer, the care he showed me before and after the operations, his friendly nature and reassurance was a great help to me during a stressful time in my life i owe so much to him and i will always be grateful to him and his colleagues .

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

I’ve been under Mr Chaudhri’s care for around 2 years now and he has always shown me the best, personal care I could ask for.

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

This doctor spoke to you and made jokes to make you feel at ease. He was also clearly very knowledgable, and his words/advice were comforting and I left feeling uplifted. With regards to the procedure itself, he wasn’t aggressive but nor was he too slow where you had time to consider the slight discomfort; the pace and strength were fine and made for a quick and easy colonoscopy.

Written by an NHS patient

Satisfied Client

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Meet The Team

Sanjay Chaudhri

Mr Sanjay Chaudhri

Francois Runau

Mr Francois Runau

Pippa Powley

Pippa Powley

Rebecca West

Rebecca West

Meet the team

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Prokinetic Drugs

01. What are the potential risks associated with using prokinetic agents?

Prokinetic agents can have serious side effects, which is why doctors are cautious when prescribing them. However, if other treatments aren’t working, you may be recommended a prokinetic agent at a low dose or for a short time. It’s essential to ask your doctor about the specific side effects of the drug they prescribe. Below are some of them:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart attack

02. What are prokinetic drugs for bowel obstruction?

Prokinetic drugs should not be used for bowel obstructions affecting the small intestine or for complete obstructions at lower levels of the bowel. If there is vomiting, medications to reduce stomach acid should be used.

03. What are the best motility agents for constipation?

Medications for intestinal motility problems include drugs that stimulate the movement of the intestines, drugs that reduce diarrhoea, and antibiotics. The most helpful medications for these issues are neostigmine, bethanechol, metoclopramide, cisapride, and loperamide.

04. How to clean the bowel quickly and naturally?

Here are some helpful tips to clean your bowl quickly and naturally:

  • Drink lots of water to help with digestion.
  • You can also try a saltwater flush.
  • Eating a diet high in fibre is important.
  • Drinking juices and smoothies can be beneficial.
  • Eat more foods that contain resistant starches.
  • Incorporating probiotics into your diet can be helpful.
  • Herbal teas can also aid in colon cleansing.

05. What are the symptoms of a blocked bowel?

Some signs of a blocked bowel are:

  • Severe belly pain
  • Strong cramping in the belly
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling full or swollen in the belly
  • Loud noises from the belly
  • Feeling gassy but not being able to pass the gas
  • Constipation (not being able to pass stool)
Contact Us Today
Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the best treatment options for you. For more information about the treatments, book a consultation and contact our Leicester clinic.