The Impact of Medications on Esophageal Motility

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to highlight the impact of common medications on esophageal motility. Esophageal motility is mediated through a complex network of neural innervation. Opioids lead to excitatory esophageal motor abnormalities termed opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction or OIED. Prokinetics have mixed effects on esophageal motility. Nitrates and calcium channel blockers relax esophageal smooth muscle, but they are limited clinically due to side effects. Sildenafil also relaxes smooth muscle, but it is costly. Peppermint oil may reduce distal esophageal spasm. Anticholinergics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, estrogen, and cannabis need further study to evaluate their effects on esophageal motility.