Digestive
Medicines for Gastroparesis
A condition where the stomach empties too slowly without a blockage, causing nausea, fullness and bloating — managed with dietary changes and medicines that help the stomach empty.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis means the stomach empties its contents into the intestine much more slowly than normal, even though there is no physical blockage. This happens because the nerves or muscles controlling the stomach are not working properly.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and maintain nutrition.
- Self-care: Eating smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat and tough fibre, chewing well, staying upright after eating, and keeping well hydrated all help.
- When to seek help: See a doctor about persistent nausea, vomiting or early fullness.
What it is
Gastroparesis means the stomach empties its contents into the intestine much more slowly than normal, even though there is no physical blockage. This happens because the nerves or muscles controlling the stomach are not working properly. Symptoms include feeling full quickly, nausea, vomiting (sometimes of undigested food), bloating and upper-abdominal discomfort, and it can make blood sugar harder to control in people with diabetes. The commonest identifiable cause is long-standing diabetes, though many cases have no clear cause or follow surgery or certain medicines. Diagnosis involves ruling out a blockage and, often, a test measuring how quickly the stomach empties.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and maintain nutrition. Dietary changes are central — smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat and hard-to-digest fibre, and softer or liquid foods when symptoms are bad. Medicines that encourage the stomach to empty and control nausea can help. Where diabetes is the cause, improving blood sugar control is important. Severe cases may need specialist input and, occasionally, other treatments to maintain nutrition. Care is tailored and often shared with a dietitian.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Gastroparesis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Eating smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat and tough fibre, chewing well, staying upright after eating, and keeping well hydrated all help. For people with diabetes, good blood sugar control is important.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about persistent nausea, vomiting or early fullness. Seek urgent care for persistent vomiting causing dehydration, or if you cannot keep fluids down.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Gastroparesis: frequently asked questions
What causes gastroparesis?
The commonest identifiable cause is long-standing diabetes affecting the stomach's nerves. Many cases have no clear cause, and some follow surgery or certain medicines.
What can I eat with gastroparesis?
Smaller, more frequent meals that are lower in fat and hard-to-digest fibre, and softer or liquid foods during flare-ups, are usually easier. A dietitian can tailor advice.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Gastroparesis
- NICE CKS — Dyspepsia and related conditions
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