The effect of mosapride citrate on constipation in patients with diabetes
Received 29 October 2008; received in revised form 29 July 2009; accepted 28 September 2009. published online 04 November 2009.
Abstract
Objective
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complications suspected to degrade the quality of life in diabetic patients. Mosapride citrate is a novel selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist, which enhances gastric emptying and motility in the upper gastrointestinal tract facilitating acetylcholine release from the enteric cholinergic neurons. Since the receptors of 5-HT4 have been recently found in the lower intestine including the rectum in humans, we tested if mosapride improves constipation in diabetic patients.
Patients and methods
Diabetic patients with constipation were treated with mosapride citrate (15mg/day, n=20) or domperidone (30mg/day, n=12) as controls for 8 weeks. Bowel frequency was monitored and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated by Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS).
Results
Administration of mosapride resulted in increased bowel frequency after 4 and 8 weeks of administration, while no change was seen in the control group. Mosapride increased bowel frequency in even patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Mosapride improved reflux and constipation evaluated by GSRS. As previously reported, glycemic control also improved by mosapride in these patients.
Conclusions
Administration of mosapride increased bowel frequency and ameliorated symptoms of reflux and constipation possibly stimulating the lower intestine. Given that mosapride has those beneficial aspects, it may be a useful prokinetic agent in treating diabetic patients with constipation.
ABSTRACT