Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which drug is a prokinetic that helps improve gastric emptying?

  1. Omeprazole

  2. Metoclopramide

  3. Cisapride

  4. Domperidone

The correct answer is: Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is recognized as a prokinetic agent that enhances gastric emptying by stimulating motility in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It works primarily by antagonizing dopamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to increase the tone and peristalsis of the stomach. This action facilitates faster movement of gastric contents into the intestine and alleviates symptoms associated with delayed gastric emptying, such as nausea and vomiting. Additionally, metoclopramide also has some antiemetic properties, making it useful in treating conditions that involve nausea, particularly when related to gastric stasis. While other options in the list might have various roles in gastrointestinal treatment, they do not primarily serve the function of enhancing gastric motility in the same way as metoclopramide. This specialization makes it the appropriate choice for improving gastric emptying.