For the treatment of gastroparesis, which medication is used to stimulate gastric motility?

Metoclopramide is used to stimulate gastric motility in the treatment of gastroparesis due to its action as a dopamine receptor antagonist. It enhances gastrointestinal motility by increasing the frequency of gastric contractions and accelerating gastric emptying, which is crucial for patients suffering from gastroparesis—a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying without a mechanical obstruction. Metoclopramide also increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, helping to alleviate symptoms like nausea and vomiting often associated with the disorder.

Omeprazole, on the other hand, is a proton pump inhibitor primarily used to reduce stomach acid production, and does not have a role in stimulating gastric motility. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that can have some pro-motility effects, but it is not primarily indicated for the treatment of gastroparesis and is mainly used to treat bacterial infections. Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent used to relieve gas and bloating but does not affect gastric motility directly. Therefore, metoclopramide is the most appropriate choice for enhancing gastric motility in patients with gastroparesis.