Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: 1 more ? about teen....

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Digestive


Hi again. I have written twice with questions about my teenage
daughter with stomach problems and weight loss. You suggested
asking the Dr. to do a radio isotope test for gastric motility.
I did suggest it to my daughters Dr. and he suggested trying
Propulcid and seeing if it helps...she had taken it before but only
for a very short period and it had been over 5 months ago. The
Propulcid helped alot. She only had to take Promethazine one time
during the ten days she was on Propulcid (she had been needing
it every night at bedtime) and she went from taking 8 pepto bismol
a day to 2 or less. Five out of the ten days she had no stomach
upset at all even at bedtime(usually when her symptoms are worst).
She is spending the night with a friend this weekend...the first
time in 8 months that she has felt confident enough that she
wouln't feel sick during the night to spend the night away from
home!!!!
I called the Dr yesterday and his office called in a new
prescription for the propulcid...30 days worth. Now, finally my
questions:
1. How long should she stay on the propulcid? Her symptoms
returned as soon as she ran out.
2. Are there any known long term effects of taking propulcid
for a prolonged period of time?
3. Will she have this problem for life or is there a
chance that she will get over it...how long?
Thank you for all of your help, past and present! Your advice
has been invaluable!

____
Dear felicia,
A gastric emptying test is necessary to confirm that your daughter has impaired emptying. Although your daughter's response to treatment is strong evidence for impaired gastric emptying, I personally like to have objective documentation. The reason for this approach is that if she has idiopathic gastroparesis she may require treatment indefinitely. (There have been reports that viral infection can cause temporary [several weeks to months] symptoms, but most people with gastroparesis suffer for years. I suggest that you have your daughter checked for hypothyroidism and central causes of gastroparesis, although these are unlikely. The pediatric gastroenterologist can make these arrangements.

Propulsid appears to be a safe drug. There have been recent reports of cardiac arrythmias when taking propulsid in conjunction with certain antibiotics. treatments for AIDS and other medications. Also people with potassium level abnormalities, dehydration end stage kidney or liver disease may also have cardiac arrythmias with propulsid, but none of these conditions appear to apply to your daighter.

This information is presented for educational purposes only. Always consult your personal physician for specific medical questions.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: gastroparesis, propulsid
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