Achalasia Medication

Updated: Nov 13, 2023
  • Author: Marco Ettore Allaix, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Praveen K Roy, MD, MSc  more...
  • Print
Medication

Medication Summary

Calcium channel blockers and nitrates both decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure but do not improve LES relaxation. Approximately 10% of patients benefit from medical treatment, which should be used primarily in elderly patients who have contraindications to either pneumatic dilation or surgery or as a temporary measure while other treatments are considered. [47]

Next:

Calcium channel blockers

Class Summary

These agents interfere with calcium uptake by smooth muscle cells that are dependent on intracellular calcium for contraction. They have a relaxant effect on the LES muscle.

Nifedipine (Adalat)

Inhibits transmembrane influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle, which, in turn, inhibits contraction of the muscle fibers.

Previous
Next:

Nitrates

Class Summary

These agents relax vascular smooth muscle.

Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)

Has a relaxant effect on smooth muscle fibers of LES. Relaxes vascular smooth muscle by stimulating intracellular cyclic GMP.

Previous