Regasta

Description

Ragesta 50mg Tablets contain itopride hydrochloride, a prokinetic agent used in Pakistan to manage gastrointestinal motility disorders like functional dyspepsia and non-ulcer dyspepsia. It enhances stomach emptying and reduces symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, upper abdominal pain, anorexia, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Commonly prescribed for patients with irregular eating habits or stress-related issues in busy cities like Lahore or Karachi, it’s available in strips of 10 tablets, prescription-only, priced around Rs. 250-300 per strip, and regulated by DRAP.

How It Functions

Itopride hydrochloride acts as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, boosting acetylcholine levels to improve gastric motility and peristalsis while inhibiting acid secretion. Chemically, it’s N-[[(1R)-1-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2-oxo-2-pyrrolidin-1-ylethyl]amino]propanamide. Effective against delayed gastric emptying, it reaches peak plasma levels in 30-60 minutes, with a half-life of 6 hours, providing symptom relief within days of use.

Dosage Information

Adults: Typically 50mg three times daily before meals for gastrointestinal disorders like nausea or dyspepsia; up to 50mg four times daily for chemotherapy/radiation-related symptoms. Swallow whole with water; duration is 4-8 weeks based on response. Dose adjustments for elderly or kidney issues; not for children. Follow medical oversight to complete the course and avoid rebound symptoms.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Nausea, constipation, dizziness, rash, increased salivation, flatulence.
• Rare: Allergic reactions (hives, swelling), insomnia, elevated liver enzymes, gynecomastia, leukopenia, or severe skin issues like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Drug Interactions

Itopride may interact with:

• Anticholinergics (e.g., atropine): Reduces prokinetic effect.
• Dopamine agonists (e.g., bromocriptine): Counteracts D2 antagonism.
• Warfarin: May alter anticoagulation.
• Digoxin: Potential for increased levels.
• Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol): Enhances extrapyramidal symptoms.

Indications

Approved for treating:

• Functional dyspepsia and non-ulcer dyspepsia (chronic gastritis).
• Symptoms like bloating, early satiety, upper abdominal pain/discomfort, anorexia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) support.
• Nausea/vomiting from chemotherapy or radiation.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to itopride or excipients.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction, or perforation.
• Parkinson’s disease (worsens symptoms).
• Severe liver or kidney failure.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding without physician approval.

Precautions

• Monitor for allergic reactions; stop if rash or swelling occurs.
• Use cautiously in elderly or those with heart issues; may cause QT prolongation.
• Avoid alcohol, as it worsens gastrointestinal effects.
• Ensure hydration and monitor liver function in long-term use.
• Not for viral infections; only bacterial or motility-related issues.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.

Warnings

• Extrapyramidal symptoms: Risk of tremors or rigidity, especially with antipsychotics.
• Cardiac effects: May prolong QT interval; avoid in arrhythmia patients.
• Pregnancy: Limited data; avoid unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Driving: May cause dizziness; wait until effects clear.
• Overdose: Symptoms like nausea or agitation need urgent care.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; category C, limited safety data.
• Breastfeeding: Avoid; passes into milk, potential infant effects.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Ganaton available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired strips.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Ayesha Malik, a gastroenterologist in Islamabad, notes Ragesta’s effectiveness in speeding gastric emptying for dyspepsia symptoms, helpful for patients with irregular meals in Pakistan. DRAP data supports its use in nausea control, but Dr. Malik emphasizes monitoring for cardiac risks in those with hypertension.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.