[Antiemetic properties of levo-sulpiride].

Levo-sulpiride is a substituted benzamide with antiemetic activity 3-8 times more potent than the racemic form and the d-isomer. Its mode of action is partially central (inhibition of dopaminergic receptors at the trigger zone for vomiting) and partially peripheral (normalization of motor activity of stomach and gall-bladder). The drug was found effective in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced and post-operative vomiting as well as in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during hepatic, biliary and gastroduodenal disorders, organic and functional dyspepsia, motion sickness and vertigo. Levo-sulpiride is at least as effective as domperidone, antihistamines and neuroleptic agents. Compared with the latter drugs and with d-sulpiride and the racemus, l-sulpiride is much better tolerated. Drowsiness is reported only at high doses, and no clinical signs of hyperprolactinaemia are observed, even after prolonged treatment.