Prokinetics in the treatment of acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

Abstract

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome) is characterized by an acute obstruction of the large bowel that is unrelated to mechanical causes. The evidence that cholinesterase inhibitors are effective in relieving acute colonic pseudo-obstruction raised interest in the pharmacological management of this condition. This review analyzes the pharmacological treatment of patients with Ogilvie's syndrome. Intravenous neostigmine is the best pharmacological treatment, leading to rapid colonic decompression. New colokinetic agents, including 5-HT(4) receptor agonists and motilides, may represent other useful therapeutic options for Ogilvie's syndrome.

• Authors: Roberto De Giorgio, Vincenzo Stanghellini, Giovanni Barbara, Stefani Guerrini, Andrea Lioce, Valentina Vasina, Marcello Tonini, Bruno Cola, Roberto Corinaldesi, Fabrizio De Ponti
• Journal: IDrugs : the investigational drugs journal (IDrugs) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 160-5 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 1369-7056 [Print] England
• PMID: 15057661 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Topics

• Animals
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Endoscopy, Digestive System
• Gastrointestinal Motility (drug effects)
• Humans
• Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology, surgery)
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists (therapeutic use)
• Stimulation, Chemical