Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal hypomotility is a problem in many clinical conditions. There is a continuous search for new prokinetic agents. The macrolide, erythromycin has prokinetic efficacy but is less tolerated than azithromycin. Objective: To investigate the gastrokinetic effect of azithromycin. Method: Twenty four apparently health subjects were studied after an overnight fast. Thirty minutes before the study, placebo or azithromycin was orally administered in a crossover nature. Immediately before the study, subjects took a tin of milk (liquid) and 30 cl of ion free water. Serial sonographic measurements of gastric antral areas were obtained every five minute for thirty minutes. T-tests were conducted with P<0.05 used as a criteria for statistical significance.Result-Significant improvements in gastric emptying rates were recorded with azithromycin administration. Conclusion--- Azithromycin increases gastric motility and hence can be used as a possible gastrokinetic alternative to erythromycin. The assessment of gastric motility can be confidently done using a simple modality such as ultrasound