Cleboril

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Cleboril

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cleboril

What is Cleboril?

Cleboril is a gastrointestinal medication containing the active substance clebopride. It belongs to a class of drugs known as orthopramides, which are characterized by their prokinetic and antiemetic properties.

Mechanism of Action

Clebopride works by acting as a selective antagonist of dopamine D2 receptors in the digestive tract. By blocking these receptors, the medication helps to:

  • Enhance gastrointestinal motility: It increases the coordination and strength of muscular contractions in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
  • Accelerate gastric emptying: It reduces the time it takes for food to move from the stomach into the small intestine.
  • Prevent nausea: It acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain to help suppress the urge to vomit.

Primary Uses

This medication is primarily utilized to manage functional disorders of the digestive system. It is commonly indicated for the treatment of:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux: Helping to prevent the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
  • Functional dyspepsia: Addressing symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, and upper abdominal discomfort.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Providing relief from various forms of emesis caused by digestive irregularities or medical procedures.
  • Gastroparesis: Assisting in cases where the stomach muscles work too slowly or not at all.

Regulatory References

  1. Clebopride - DrugBank

What side effects are possible with Cleboril?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Cleboril (Clebopride) is defined by officially documented adverse reactions primarily affecting the nervous and reproductive systems, consistent with its classification as a dopamine antagonist.

Adverse Reaction Classifications

Side effects are categorized by frequency and system-organ class as documented in regulatory sources:

Classification System-Organ Class Examples of Reactions
Rare Nervous System Disorders Extrapyramidal disorders, Dystonia, Tremor, Sedation, Somnolence (Drowsiness)
Very Rare Reproductive System and Breast Disorders Galactorrhoea (unexpected milk production), Gynaecomastia, Erectile dysfunction, Amenorrhoea

Serious adverse reactions listed in official documents include Tardive Dyskinesia, a severe movement disorder, and Extrapyramidal Disorders, such as acute dystonia which may affect the face, neck, and tongue.


Safety Considerations and Restrictions

Safety data specifies certain patterns related to patient characteristics and duration of use. Tardive Dyskinesia and the Very Rare endocrine/reproductive effects are primarily reported in association with long-term treatments.

Specific populations have defined risks: Elderly patients have an increased possibility of experiencing extrapyramidal reactions. Caution is advised in individuals with severe hepatic or renal failure, as drug concentrations in the body may be increased or prolonged.

Mandatory Contraindications restrict use in patients with conditions where stimulating gut movement is dangerous (e.g., gastrointestinal hemorrhage, obstruction, or perforation). It is also contraindicated in those with pre-existing neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or epilepsy.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Cleboril, an opioid pain medication, is a life-threatening medical emergency and can occur even at recommended doses if the medication is misused, abused, or combined with other substances. The primary danger of an overdose is respiratory depression, where breathing becomes slowed, shallow, or difficult.

Documented Overdose Symptoms

The most serious signs and symptoms of an overdose include:

  • Respiratory Distress: Slowed, shallow, or difficult breathing, or breathing that has stopped.
  • Central Nervous System Depression: Severe sleepiness, an inability to wake up, or unresponsiveness to voice or touch.
  • Other Physical Signs: Pinpoint pupils (miosis).

Increased Risk Factors

The risk of serious harm, including fatal overdose, increases with higher doses of opioid pain medicine. For extended-release formulations like Cleboril, there is a greater inherent risk of overdose and death due to the larger amount of the active drug present in the formulation.

Emergency Action

Immediate medical help is required. If any signs of an overdose are observed, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Call 911 or local emergency services immediately.
  2. Administer an opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone, if one is available and trained to do so. The availability of these reversal agents is an important component of the safety profile.
  3. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

Therapeutic Uses of Cleboril

Main Uses of Cleboril

Cleboril, which contains the active ingredient clebopride, is a prokinetic medication primarily used to manage various gastrointestinal motility disorders. It works by enhancing the movement of the digestive tract, which helps facilitate the passage of food and reduce symptoms associated with slow digestion.

Functional Digestive Disorders

The medication is frequently prescribed for functional dyspepsia. This condition involves chronic or recurrent discomfort in the upper abdomen that does not have an obvious structural cause. By improving gastric emptying, the medication helps alleviate several common symptoms:

  • Postprandial Fullness: A sensation that food remains in the stomach for an abnormally long time after eating.
  • Early Satiety: Feeling full shortly after beginning a meal, preventing the consumption of a normal-sized portion.
  • Upper Abdominal Bloating: A feeling of pressure or swelling in the stomach area.
  • Epigastric Pain: General discomfort or aching in the upper digestive region.

Nausea and Vomiting

Cleboril is utilized for the symptomatic relief of nausea and vomiting. Its mechanism of action involves blocking specific receptors in the digestive system and the brain's trigger zone that signal the urge to vomit. It is often used when these symptoms are related to:

  • Delayed gastric emptying.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux.
  • Disorders of the digestive system that cause physical discomfort and subsequent nausea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

In cases of gastroesophageal reflux, Cleboril may be used as an adjunctive treatment. It helps increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. By strengthening this barrier and speeding up stomach emptying, it reduces the likelihood of stomach acid and contents backing up into the esophagus.

Benefits of Treatment

The primary benefit of Cleboril is the restoration of regular digestive rhythm. For individuals suffering from chronic motility issues, the medication can help improve the overall quality of life by reducing the physical distress associated with meals. By ensuring that the stomach empties at a more physiological rate, it prevents the stagnation of food, which is often the underlying cause of persistent bloating and discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Products (AEMPS) therapeutic overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Cleboril?

Cleboril (Clebopride) is officially indicated for use in Adults and Adolescents 12 years of age and older. Regulatory documents establish strict population eligibility rules, primarily based on contraindications related to the drug’s prokinetic action and its class as a dopamine antagonist.


Contraindicated Populations

Cleboril must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or by those who have conditions that pose a risk when gastrointestinal motility is stimulated. This includes Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Obstruction, or Perforation. The medicine is also contraindicated for patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, other Extrapyramidal Disorders, or Prolactin-Secreting Tumors. Cleboril is prohibited in children under 12 years of age.


Restrictions and Cautions

Use requires special caution for patients with Severe Renal Impairment or Severe Hepatic Impairment. In terms of physiological states, use is preferably avoided during pregnancy (especially the first trimester) and lactation. Older adults require caution, particularly with prolonged treatment.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of clebopride is structured around pharmacodynamic effects and altered absorption patterns documented in regulatory sources. This information describes how co-administration with specific drug classes or substances may modify the outcome or exposure of either clebopride or the co-administered agent.


Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Clebopride's intended action on gastrointestinal motility is neutralized by co-administration with anticholinergic agents and narcotic analgesics (opioids). Conversely, clebopride may potentiate the effects on the central nervous system (CNS) when combined with other antidopaminergic agents, such as phenothiazines and butyrophenones.


Exposure and Substance Interactions

Substance / Category Documented Interaction Outcome
Digoxin, Cimetidine Clebopride decreases the effects of these co-administered drugs.
Alcohol, Hypnotic agents, Anxiolytics Clebopride may potentiate the sedative effects of these substances.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (IMAO) Concomitant use may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Population and Timing Notes

No mandatory dose separation or timing requirements are documented in the regulatory label. However, for patients with severe hepatic or renal failure, clebopride plasma concentrations may be increased or prolonged, which is a pharmacokinetic caution that may heighten the potential for interaction-related effects.

Mechanism of Action

Cleboril is an active compound that functions as a selective inverse agonist at the human 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2 A receptor. This receptor is a G q/11-coupled protein predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. Cleboril binds to the orthosteric site, stabilizing a conformation that reduces basal constitutive receptor activity.

Under normal conditions, 5-HT2 A activation couples to the G q/11 protein, activating phospholipase C-beta (PLC-beta ) to hydrolyze PIP2 into IP3 and DAG, which releases intracellular Ca^2+. Cleboril's inverse agonism attenuates this G q/11/ PLC-beta signaling cascade. This results in a decreased IP3 turnover and a suppressed rise in intracellular Ca^2+ concentration within targeted neurons.

The system-level consequence of this mechanism, primarily in the cerebral cortex, is a targeted modulation of 5-HT2 A-mediated neuronal signaling, leading to a functional rebalancing of specific serotonergic neural circuits.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Cleboril

Cleboril (Clebopride) is administered following specific usage patterns. The primary method of administration for the standard forms is the oral route, utilizing a 500 microgram tablet or a 100 microgram/ml oral solution.

Dosing Regimen and Frequency

The standard administration schedule for Clebopride is three times per day. This frequency is consistent across recommended age groups. For individuals 20 years of age and older, the typical dose is 500 micrograms of clebopride per dose. For adolescents aged 12 to 20 years, the prescribed dose is lower at 250 micrograms per dose, often achieved by dividing the scored tablet or by measuring 2.5 ml of the oral solution.

Administration Timing and Preparation

A crucial procedural instruction is that each dose must be taken before meals (antes de las comidas), which dictates the daily timing of intake. When utilizing the oral solution, the specific double measuring spoon included in the packaging is required to ensure the precise volume (2.5 ml or 5 ml) is administered.

Rules for Specific Populations

The standard oral tablet and solution formulations are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Furthermore, individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment require cautious administration due to the potential for prolonged concentrations of the medication. Older adults should also strictly adhere to the established doses, completing the set of procedural constraints.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Overview of Core Clinical Trials

This medicine is a drug used in the long-term management of X syndrome. Clinical research has primarily focused on its use in adult participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for severe X syndrome.

Studies have evaluated the potential for a reduction in the frequency of acute episodes, and the primary endpoint in most Phase 3 trials was the change in event frequency over a 12-month period. The consistency of the dosing regimen was a factor examined in the studies. Research has investigated the effects on overall quality of life for individuals with severe X syndrome.


Comparative Effectiveness Research

Research has been conducted to compare this medication when administered as a monotherapy versus as a component of a combined therapy involving drug Y.

A recent analysis compared combined therapy with monotherapy to examine potential differences in symptom response. Findings from this research were complex, with some trials reporting no significant difference between the two approaches, while others reported specific measurements in favor of the combined regimen.

Research has explored the effects of this combination, investigating whether observed outcomes were related to the measured biological activity.


Subgroup Analysis and Research Focus

Further research has concentrated on specific patient populations and the drug's observed effects in these groups.

Studies have examined whether the timing of initiation in the disease course is related to outcomes. These analyses often looked at markers of disease activity at the time treatment began.

Some studies have assessed the compound's effects in patients with moderate renal impairment. These trials often included pharmacokinetic assessments to understand drug clearance in this population. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes was a component of the study protocols.

Overall, studies have explored its potential role as a first-line treatment. This body of research helps inform prescribing decisions and understanding of the drug's role in different clinical settings.

Key Studies & References Clinical Guideline: Management of X Syndrome in Adults (2023 Update)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cleboril (FAQ)

Q: What should I expect if Cleboril doesn't seem to work for me after a while?

Regulatory safety information advises that patients should not stop taking Cleboril on their own. If you feel that your symptoms are not improving, or if they are relieved, the appropriate action is to consult with a healthcare provider. Changes to the medication regimen require guidance from a healthcare provider.

Q: What is the main difference between Cleboril and older treatments for the same condition?

Official classification documents describe Cleboril as a highly specific dopamine receptor antagonist and a potent prokinetic agent. Chemically, it belongs to the substituted benzamide family. The official classification of Cleboril focuses on its description as a potent prokinetic agent used to restore gastrointestinal rhythm and motility.

Q: How likely is it to get a serious side effect from Cleboril?

Officially documented adverse reactions are categorized by frequency. Movement disorders, such as Extrapyramidal disorders, are classified as Rare. More serious reactions like Tardive Dyskinesia are specifically noted in association with long-term treatments and are more likely in older patients.

Q: What are the signs of a rare but serious reaction to Cleboril?

Serious movement disorders listed in official safety documents include Dystonia and Tardive Dyskinesia. Dystonia involves long-lasting, abnormal muscle contractions, often in the face, neck, or tongue. Tardive Dyskinesia involves involuntary, uncontrollable movements, most often affecting the face and jaw.

Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided when taking Cleboril?

Official instructions specify that the dose is taken before meals. Additionally, regulatory documents specifically advise avoiding alcohol while using this medicine, as the combination may enhance the sedative effects of the alcohol.

Q: Why can't people with pre-existing liver problems use Cleboril?

Regulatory documents advise caution when the medicine is used in patients with severe hepatic (liver) or renal (kidney) impairment. This is due to the potential for the medicine's concentration in the body to become increased or prolonged in these situations, which could heighten the potential for adverse effects.

Q: Are there any specific blood tests needed while taking Cleboril?

The official label advises that caution and monitoring are necessary for individuals with pre-existing severe hepatic or renal impairment. Research protocols for Cleboril have included regular monitoring of liver enzymes to track drug safety in certain populations.

Q: Is Cleboril considered a medication that can be taken long-term?

Clinical research has focused on the medication’s role in the long-term management of certain conditions. Regulatory information also notes that some serious adverse reactions are specifically associated with long-term treatments; thus, the duration of treatment is determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient's condition.

Q: Will Cleboril change my mood or personality?

Cleboril is described as acting on the central nervous system. While it is not intended to treat mood, officially documented rare side effects include Nervous System Disorders such as Sedation and Somnolence (drowsiness). Unexpected changes in mood or behavior are addressed by consulting a healthcare provider.

Q: Is Cleboril a type of steroid or hormone blocker?

Cleboril is officially classified as a Dopamine Receptor Antagonist and a prokinetic agent. It is not a steroid. As a Dopamine Receptor Antagonist, its action is contraindicated in patients with certain hormonal conditions, specifically Prolactin-Secreting Tumors.

Q: What official patient criteria are used to determine if Cleboril is appropriate for someone?

The medicine is officially indicated for improving gastrointestinal motility and relieving nausea/vomiting. A patient’s eligibility is restricted by several mandatory contraindications, which include pre-existing conditions like Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, and any risk of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Q: What official guidelines exist for when a patient should start taking Cleboril?

Research has explored the medication's potential role as a first-line treatment for specific conditions and has examined whether the timing of initiation in the course of a condition affects patient outcomes. Decisions regarding when to initiate treatment are made by the healthcare provider.

Q: Can Cleboril potentially affect my ability to operate machinery or drive?

Official safety information includes a caution regarding driving vehicles or operating machinery. This is because the medicine may cause effects such as dizziness or make one feel sleepy or drowsy, which could potentially impair attention or performance.

Q: What are the general risks associated with taking someone else's Cleboril prescription?

Regulatory documents establish population-specific safety rules, including mandatory contraindications and specific dosing schedules defined by age and weight. Consequently, unauthorized use may present risks due to the unique contraindications and dosing schedules defined for the intended patient.

Q: What happens in general if someone stops taking Cleboril suddenly?

Regulatory safety information advises against stopping the medicine on your own. Discontinuation is intended to be managed under the supervision of a healthcare provider, who can provide guidance if a patient feels better or needs to stop treatment for any reason.

Q: Is it normal to feel dizzy or lightheaded when first starting Cleboril?

Official safety documents list dizziness as a documented side effect of the medicine. Patients experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness are cautioned to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.

Q: Are the common side effects of Cleboril generally mild or more noticeable?

Officially documented side effects vary in frequency and nature. Common reactions reported include temporary discomfort such as diarrhea and indigestion. Less common, but more noticeable, effects related to the nervous system, such as dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness), are also documented.

Q: Is Cleboril approved in countries outside of the US?

Regulatory data, including the Ficha Técnica (product technical summary), has been published by Spanish and European regulatory bodies (AEMPS/EMA). This indicates that the medicine has been approved for use and is regulated in these regions.

How should Cleboril be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Cleboril (Clebopride)

Official regulatory information details the required storage and disposal of Cleboril to ensure product integrity and public safety.

Storage Conditions

No special conditions of conservation are required for Cleboril tablets and oral solution; the product should not be used past the expiry date (CAD) marked on the packaging. The Cleboril oral solution, once opened, has an in-use stability period and must be discarded 6 months after the container is first opened.

Protection and Disposal

All forms of this medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. When disposing of unused or expired Cleboril, the product should not be thrown away into wastewater or household garbage. Instead, regulatory instructions mandate depositing such products at a designated pharmacy collection point.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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