Trimebutine [3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 2-(dimethylamino)-2-phenylbutylester] is a noncompetitive spasmolytic agent. The actions of trimebutine on the gastrointestinal tract are mediated via (i) an agonist effect on peripheral mu, kappa and delta opiate receptors and (ii) release of gastrointestinal peptides such as motilin and modulation of the release of other peptides, including vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin and glucagon. Trimebutine attenuated colonic motility mainly through the inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels at higher concentrations, whereas, at lower concentrations, it depolarized membrane potentials by reducing BK(ca) currents, resulting in the enhancement of the muscle contractions.Trimebutine accelerates gastric emptying, induces premature phase III of the migrating motor complex in the intestine and modulates the contractile activity of the colon. It is indicated for the treatment and relief of symptoms associated with the irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon); and in postoperative paralytic ileus in order to accelerate the resumption of the intestinal transit following abdominal surgery.