Abstract

In 30 patients with gastrooesophageal reflux, intravenous metoclopramide (Maxolon) has been shown to increase the gastrooesophageal sphincter pressure. The rise is dose-related until a maximum pressure, proportional to the resting sphincter tone, is reached. The effect is reversed by atropine. Peristaltic waves are increased in pressure by metoclopramide.

In 18 patients with gastrooesophageal reflux intravenous metoclopramide diminished the frequency of reflux episodes and increased the rate at which the oesophagus emptied itself of an acid load.