Sulpiride

Sulpiride Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Sulpiride is a brand name. Its generic name is Levosulpiride.

Introduction

Sulpiride is a dopamine D2 antagonist used in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, intestinal colic, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is commonly used with ppis like lansoprazole and rabeprazole.

Uses For

Sulpiride is used for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, intestinal colic, dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is used in combination with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is also used to treat symptoms of drug-induced extrapyramidal dysfunction including parkinsonian syndrome.

Mechanism of Action

Sulpiride works by blocking the action of dopamine at D2 receptors in the gut and the brain. By blocking dopamine, it reduces the symptoms of gastric acid reflux and ulcers, as well as symptoms of parkinsonism caused by certain drugs.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Sulpiride usually starts to take effect within 2 - 4 hours and peak effectiveness can be seen within 8 - 12 hours.

Absorption

Sulpiride is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of Elimination

Sulpiride is eliminated mainly in the urine, with only a small amount eliminated in the faeces.

Dosage

The dosage of levosulpiride depends on the condition being treated and the individual patient characteristics. The recommended starting dosage is 25 mg two times daily. The dosage may be increased depending on the response. The maximum dosage is 75 mg/day.

Administration

Sulpiride should be taken orally, preferably with a meal.

Side Effect

The most common side effects associated with levosulpiride use are dry mouth, constipation, headache, weight gain, and fatigue.

Toxicity

Sulpiride is generally very safe, however, long-term use is associated with drowsiness, confusion, and restlessness.

Precaution and Interaction

Sulpiride should be used with caution in people with cardiac disease, renal failure, or liver failure, as it can worsen these conditions. Sulpiride should not be used with psychiatric medications, as it may increase the risk of psychotic symptoms.

Drug and Disease Interactions

The use of levosulpiride with certain medications, like antipsychotics, levodopa, and tricyclic antidepressants, can result in increased effects or side effects. Sulpiride should be used with caution in people with Parkinson's disease or renal disease, as it can worsen these conditions.

Food Interactions

Sulpiride should be taken with a meal or at least immediately after a meal for optimal absorption.

Pregnancy and Lactation Use

Sulpiride should not be used during pregnancy or lactation as it can cause adverse effects in the fetus and nursing infant.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include restlessness, tremor, hypotension, collapse, coma, and death.

Contraindication

Sulpiride is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the drug and those with hepatic impairment.

Use Direction

Sulpiride should be taken orally, preferably with a meal. The dosage should be gradually increased as directed by the prescribing doctor, and maximum daily dosage should not exceed 75 mg per day.

Storage Condition

Sulpiride should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for levosulpiride is 0.7 - 0.8 L/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of levosulpiride is 2 - 3 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of levosulpiride is 0.7 - 0.8 L/h/kg.

Here you find in details version of Sulpiride

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Sulpiride

What is Sulpiride?

Sulpiride is a medication used to help reduce or control the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach pain, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.

What is the mechanism of action of Sulpiride?

Sulpiride works by stimulating the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter which can help to reduce nausea,relieve pain and reduce muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Who should not take Sulpiride?

Sulpiride is not recommended for pregnant women or those with a history of seizures or extreme sensitivity to other similar medications. Furthermore, patients that are taking drugs such as MAO (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should not take Sulpiride.

What are the side effects of Sulpiride?

The most common side effects of Sulpiride include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, and increased blood pressure.

How should Sulpiride be stored?

Sulpiride should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture. It should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.

How long does it take for Sulpiride to take effect?

The effects of Sulpiride will typically start to become apparent within 1 hour, but may take up to 3 hours to reach full effect.

Is Sulpiride safe to use for long-term treatment?

Sulpiride is considered safe to use for long-term treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Studies have shown that long-term use does not lead to any unfavorable effects.

Does Sulpiride interact with any other medications?

Yes, Sulpiride can interact with some other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all the other medications you are taking before starting treatment with Sulpiride.

Can I take Sulpiride with alcohol?

No, it is recommended that Sulpiride not be taken with alcohol, as the combination may lead to drowsiness and increased risk of side effects.

Does Sulpiride cause addiction?

No, Sulpiride is not known to be addictive.

Is Sulpiride available over-the-counter?

No, Sulpiride is only available through a prescription from a doctor.

Does Sulpiride cause weight gain?

No, Sulpiride is not known to cause weight gain.

What is the dosage for Sulpiride?

The dosage of Sulpiride will depend on the individual patient's medical condition, age, and weight. Your doctor will be able to recommend the appropriate dose for your case.

Does Sulpiride reduce stomach acid levels?

No, Sulpiride does not reduce stomach acid levels, but can help to reduce the effects of acidic stomach contents.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Yes, Sulpiride can be used to help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Are there any herbs or supplements that could interact with Sulpiride?

Yes, certain herbs and supplements, such as St. John's Wort, can interact with Sulpiride, so it is important to tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Sulpiride.

What is the usual duration of treatment with Sulpiride?

The duration of treatment with Sulpiride will depend on the individual patient and the severity of their medical condition. Generally, treatment with Sulpiride should not exceed 16 weeks.

Is Sulpiride safe to use in elderly patients?

Yes, Sulpiride is considered safe to use in elderly patients.

Is Sulpiride safe to use in children?

Sulpiride is not recommended to be used in children below the age of 18.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sulpiride?

If you miss a dose of Sulpiride, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

What should I do if I overdose on Sulpiride?

If you or someone else has overdosed on Sulpiride, seek immediate medical attention. Common overdose symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and shallow breathing.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat anxiety?

No, Sulpiride is not recommended to be used to treat anxiety, as it is not known to have any therapeutic effect on anxiety.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat depression?

No, Sulpiride is not recommended to be used to treat depression, as it is not known to have any therapeutic effect on depression.

Can I take Sulpiride while breastfeeding?

Sulpiride is not recommended to be used by breastfeeding mothers, as it may be detectable in the mother's milk, and could potentially be passed on to the baby.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat any other medical conditions?

Sulpiride is only recommended to be used to treat gastrointestinal problems such as stomach pain, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. It is not recommended to be used for any other medical conditions.

What should I do if I experience any side effects while taking Sulpiride?

If you experience any side effects while taking Sulpiride, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the medication, as this could worsen your condition.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat Parkinson’s disease?

No, Sulpiride is not recommended to be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Can Sulpiride cause tardive dyskinesia?

Tardive dyskinesia is a rare but serious neurological disorder that is caused by long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications. There is no evidence suggesting that Sulpiride can cause tardive dyskinesia.

Is Sulpiride available as a generic drug?

No, Sulpiride is not available as a generic drug.

Does Sulpiride interact with other antipsychotic medications?

Yes, Sulpiride can interact with other antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking before starting treatment with Sulpiride.

Is Sulpiride effective in treating nausea and vomiting?

Yes, Sulpiride has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat gastroenteritis?

Yes, Sulpiride can be used to help reduce the symptoms of gastroenteritis such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Is Sulpiride safe to use in liver disease or kidney disease?

Sulpiride should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, as it may aggravate certain symptoms or cause problems with the elimination of the medication from the body.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat seizures?

No, Sulpiride is not recommended to be used to treat seizures.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat migraine headaches?

No, Sulpiride is not recommended to be used to treat migraine headaches.

Does Sulpiride cause drowsiness?

Yes, Sulpiride can cause drowsiness, so caution should be taken when operating machinery or driving.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat IBS-C?

Yes, Sulpiride has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Can Sulpiride be used to treat IBS-D?

Yes, Sulpiride has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Does Sulpiride cause insomnia?

Sulpiride may cause insomnia in some patients, although this is not a common side effect.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat gastroparesis?

Yes, Sulpiride has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of gastroparesis.

Can Sulpiride be used to treat ulcers?

Sulpiride can help to reduce the symptoms of peptic ulcers, but it is not recommended to be used as the sole treatment for ulcers.

Does Sulpiride cause withdrawal symptoms?

Sulpiride does not usually cause withdrawal symptoms when treatment is stopped.