Abstract

Gastroparesis from numerous causes has been treated with a number of prokinetic agents. We report the successful use of erythromycin as a prokinetic agent in the treatment of two cases of idiopathic gastroparesis in which treatment with metoclopramide or domperidone or both had failed. We also review information about erythromycin's mechanism of action, previous therapeutic uses, administration (doses, duration, and route), and role as an alternative to other prokinetic agents. When treatment with other agents is unsuccessful, erythromycin is a viable alternative therapy for gastroparesis.