Gastric emptying phases

Fig. 8.2. Gastric emptying time for 50% fluid emptying, T5o in humans in various motility phases. Data from reference [57],...

P. Langguth, K. M. Lee, H. Spahn-Langguth, G. L. Amidon. Variable gastric emptying and discontinuities in drug absorption profiles dependence of rates and extent of cimeti-dine absorption on motility phase and pH. Biopharm. Drug Disposit. 1994,... 

If the per os meal consists of liquid and solid components, gastric emptying exhibits a biphasic mechanism. With the exception of emptying of solid particles in MMC phase III, gastric emptying of solids into the duodenum takes place only if these particles are smaller than 1—3 mm in diameter (43,52). These particles are emptied, after a short lag phase, according to linear kinetics, whereas the liquid fraction often exhibits exponential or biphasic-(exponential) release kinetics (53-55). 

Since absorption from the stomach is poor, the rate of gastric emptying becomes a prime determinant of the rate of drug absorption. Two patterns of gastric motor activity have been identified that reflect whether the subject is fed or fasting (4,5). Fasting motor activity has a cyclical pattern. Each cycle lasts 90 to 120 minutes and consists of the following four phases ... 

Similar to other prokinetic drugs, erythromycin has been shown to improve gastric emptying in humans and laboratory animals. In horses, erythromycin lactobionate, at both 0.1 and l.Omg/kg, reduced the T50 of solid-phase gastric emptying (Ringger et al 1996). 

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