What condition does a patient with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease have that makes metoclopramide a preferred choice?

Metoclopramide is primarily utilized for its prokinetic properties, which means it helps to increase gastrointestinal motility. In the context of a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition often involves delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis. This delay in gastric emptying can contribute to increased gastric pressure and reflux of contents into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.

By enhancing gastric emptying, metoclopramide can help reduce gastric pressure and the frequency of reflux episodes, making it a beneficial treatment in managing GERD symptoms. The drug acts on the upper gastrointestinal tract to promote movement through the stomach and intestines, thereby alleviating the complications associated with delayed gastric emptying.

Therefore, in patients with GERD who also experience delayed gastric emptying, metoclopramide serves as an effective therapy due to its dual action of helping with both gastric motility and reducing reflux symptoms.