My son has hlhs (a chd), delayed gastric emptying and reactive airway. what meds are available besides bethanechol to help his stomach to empty?

Gastric emptying: In patients with congenital heart disease a substantial proportion have a feeding disorder. Certain medications that may be utilized to treat delayed gastric emptying include prokonetics like erythromycin, antiemetics, and probiotics like lactobacillus, . Diet and lifestyle modification also be used for this. Other interventional therapies including surgery may be recommended.

Not many: Some people use Erythromycin as well. The problem is that few of these medicines have been studied in children, and fewer (if any) in children with chd. But i've used Erythromycin in a few of my hlhs patients and not had a problem. Please discuss this with the pediatrician and cardiologist.

Complicated question: One cause of delayed gastric emptying that is sometimes overlooked in children with heart disease is heart failure. If there is significant heart failure, either with low cardiac output, or with congestive symptoms, there can be associated GI problems. It may be that your son needs more heart failure therapy, or it may be time for his next surgery (i'm not sure where he is in palliation.).