METHODS FOR ASSESSMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DRUG ACTIONS

Many types of drugs affect functions of tile gastrointestinal tract. Investigators may be interested in discovery or pharmacological characterization of drugs as therapeutic agents intended for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders or in identification of gastrointestinal side effects of drugs intended for non-gastrointestinal indications. Examples of drug categories often associated with significant gastrointestinal side effects include cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics (erythromycin in particular), anti-inflammatory drugs, antiemetics, analgesics (especially opiates), antihistamines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Whether tile objective is development of gastrointestinal therapeutic agents or evaluation of gastrointestinal side effects, appropriate laboratory models for experimentation are essential.