Effect of Nifedipine on Oesophageal Motility and Gastric Emptying

Abstract

Manometric studies have been performed to determine the effect of nifedipine on lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure and distal oesophageal motility in healthy subjects, in patients with diffuse oesophageal spasm, and in a patient with achalasia. Significant reductions in LOS pressure and in the amplitude of peristaltic oesophageal contractions were observed. In the patients with diffuse oesophageal spasm the amplitude and frequency of non-peristaltic (spasm) contractions were also reduced.

Menthol Ameliorates Secretagogue-Induced Gastric Acid Secretion in the Rat

“…This calcium channel blocker action of menthol exerts pharmacological effects similar to those observed with current prescription medications such as nifedepine or diltiazem, which are calcium channel antagonists (Blackwell et al, 1981). Calcium channel blocking drugs, such as nifedepine or diltiazem exert effects on upper gastrointestinal motor function, inhibition of esophageal peristalsis and a reduction of the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in the absence of major effects on gastric motor function (Blackwell et al, 1981). The effect of menthol on gastric acid secretion is in line with work of Rozza et al, 2014 that reported oral treatment with menthol displaying a gastroprotective activity through anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory mechanisms.…”

“…Menthol is known to block the carbachol (acetylcholinelike) induced influx of calcium ions into cells. This calcium channel blocker action of menthol exerts pharmacological effects similar to those observed with current prescription medications such as nifedepine or diltiazem, which are calcium channel antagonists (Blackwell et al, 1981). Calcium channel blocking drugs, such as nifedepine or diltiazem exert effects on upper gastrointestinal motor function, inhibition of esophageal peristalsis and a reduction of the lower esophageal sphincter pressure in the absence of major effects on gastric motor function (Blackwell et al, 1981).…”

Non Cardiac Chest Pain (NCCP)

“…In the eight studies that have been performed on patients with DOS, an improvement was found by the majority of authors [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. The trial with the largest number of patients included found that 12 out of 18 study participants diagnosed with DOS radiologically improved after administration of nifedipine with the other 6 participants having other organic diseases [32].…”

Motility Disorders of the Lower Esophagus

“…More recently, the calcium-channel-blocking drugs including nifedipine [40], diltiazem [41] and verapamil [42] have all been suggested to have potential value. Similarly, hydralazine [43] may be worth trying.…”