Pharmacological and Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Medications are commonly used for the treatment of
patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
The general goal of this report is to review the pharmacokinetics
and pharmacology of medications used
in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Methods included
literature review, consensus evaluation of the
evidence for each topic assigned originally to 1 or 2
authors, and broader review at a harmonization session
as part of the Rome III process. This report
reviews the animal models that have been validated
for the study of effects of pharmacologic agents on
sensation and motility; the preclinical pharmacology,
pharmacokinetics, and toxicology usually required for
introduction of novel therapeutic agents; the biomarkers
validated for studies of sensation and motility
end points with experimental medications in humans;
the pharmacogenomics applied to these medications
and disorders; and the pharmacology of agents that
are applied or have potential for treatment of functional
gastrointestinal disorders, including psychopharmacologic
agents. Clinician and basic investigators
involved in the treatment or investigation of
functional gastrointestinal disorders or disease models
need to have a comprehensive understanding of a
vast range of medications. It is anticipated that the
interaction between investigators of basic science,
basic and applied pharmacology, and clinical trials
will lead to better treatment of these disorders.

Authorized only