Gastrointestinal diseases are among the most prevalent in the Western world. It is estimated that18 to 27% of the U.S. population suffers from gastroesophageal reflux. Therefore, relieving the symptoms related to these pathologies is of paramount importance.
In this sense, the pharmacological industry has created different drugs such asdagla®, aimed ataddressing the annoying symptomsof gastrointestinal conditions.
For this reason, in the following article we will talk about itsuses, mechanism of action, adverse effects and contraindications.
What is dagla?
Dagla® is the trade nameof itopride hydrochloride, manufactured byTAKEDA MÉXICO, S.A. DE C.V. laboratories. (1). Itopride is a benzoic acid-derived prokinetic with adual mechanism of action: it is a dopamine receptor antagonist and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
Important: Dagla® has the net effectof increasing smooth muscle contractions, intragastric pressure and intestinal transit, thus reducing symptoms such as constipation.
On the other hand, dagla® comes inpacks of 30 tablets of 50 mg, with oral administration. The dose to be used varies according to the severity of the symptoms, the disease and the patient’s body mass index.
What is dagla for?
The prokinetic abilities of dagla®, make it very useful indisorders related to intestinal motility. Therefore, its potential as a first line of treatment in this type of conditions has been studied. Next, we will mention its most frequent uses:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is characterized by the retrograde flow of stomach acid , the product of muscular dysfunction of the esophagus and the sphincter that separates it from the stomach.
You should know: Prokinetics such as dagla® can help restore that functionality of the esophageal sphinctertag. In fact, a study published in theWorld Journal of Gastroenterology showed that the drug dagla® reduced symptoms of burning and discomfort. (two)
2. Functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis
These two diseases have a similarity: there is impaired intestinal motility and gastroesophageal duodenal reflux is present , causing symptoms such as a constant feeling of fullness.
Note: In this case, dagla® can help to recover that functionality , with variable doses.
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
To highlight: A study published in the Almanac of Clinical Medicine, showed that the prevalence of symptoms in women with this type of IBS decreased after a 4-week therapy with dagla® . (3)
4. Heartburn, nausea and vomiting
These are frequent symptoms, which can occur after indigestionor any other possible cause. In this sense, dagla® is not only a relief for these symptoms, but also for abdominal distension,pain or abdominal discomfort due to Heartburn .
You should know: In these cases it is recommended to use a dose of 1 dagla® 50 mg tablet, 3 times a day.
Dagla Side Effects
The dagla® compounds are generally safe to reduce the symptoms already explained, but there is a certain percentage of cases where side effects develop , such as:
- Diarrhea .
- Puke .
- Abdominal pain.
- Elevation of prolactin (hormone responsible for the secretion of breast milk).
- Leukopenia (decrease in a type of immune cell in the blood).
To highlight: Unlike Metoclopramide , itopride (a compound of Dagla®)has no effects on the Central Nervous Systemtag. Therefore, it does not produce extrapyramidal symptoms in the patient during the course of treatment, regardless of the dose used.
Dagla contraindications
Dagla® is a medication that can be taken safely in most patients, although there are some cases where it should not be used , such as:
- Hypersensitivity reactions.
- Pregnant women.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Children under 12 years.
Important: You must inform the doctor about the health conditions that are suffered , thus avoiding unwanted reactions and to receive more information about therapeutic alternatives.
Key Findings
- Dagla® is the trade name for itopride, a prokinetic used as a treatment for gastrointestinal pathologies , such as acid peptic disease.
- Adverse effects of dagla® are mild and very rare , generally including stomach upset such as abdominal pain.
- Dagla® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or active bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.