Metoclopramide prokinetic effect — FRCA Primary MCQ

Correct answer: E — It blocks dopamine D2 receptors

Metoclopramide is a D2 antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic effects. It encapsulates aminosteroid neuromuscular blocker is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It is hydrolysed by nonspecific esterases is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It directly inhibits activated factor X is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. It inhibits plasminogen activation is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA pharmacology, link the clinical effect to the receptor, distribution or elimination mechanism rather than memorising isolated facts.

Reference: Peck, Hill & Williams Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; BNF; Primary FRCA textbooks