Effect of nifedipine on oesophageal motility and gastric emptying.

Manometric studies have been performed to determine the effect of nifedipine on lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure and distal oesophageal motility in healthy subjects, in patients with diffuse oesophageal spasm, and in a patient with achalasia. Significant reductions in LOS pressure and in the amplitude of peristaltic oesophageal contractions were observed. In the patients with diffuse oesophageal spasm the amplitude and frequency of non-peristaltic (spasm) contractions were also reduced. Nifedipine did not significantly influence gastric emptying rates of solid and liquid components of a test meal in normal subjects nor in patients who had undergone gastric surgery.