Antiemetic therapy for gastroparesis

Abstract Gastroparesis is a heterogeneous syndrome with variable clinical manifestations. The most recognized symptoms are chronic or episodic nausea, retching, and emesis, which may result in dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities, hematemesis, emergency room visit, and hospitalization. Symptomatic control of nausea and emesis is often the first therapeutic decision for the clinician. Multiple neurotransmitter receptors are integrated in the complex emetic circuitry in the central nervous system, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine-3, dopamine-2, and neurokinin-1 receptors, providing multiple targets for potential pharmacologic therapy. The aim of this chapter is to provide an update on the use of antiemetic therapy for patients with gastroparesis.