FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam 2025 - Free NABP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Oxycodone is not classified as a prokinetic agent. Prokinetic agents are medications that enhance gastrointestinal motility and are used to treat conditions such as gastroparesis or other motility disorders. Medications like metoclopramide, domperidone, and cisapride are specifically designed to increase the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby aiding in the proper digestion and transit of food.

Metoclopramide works by increasing the tone and amplitude of gastric contractions and facilitating gastric emptying. Domperidone acts similarly but has better central nervous system penetration and is used more for its peripheral effects. Cisapride, while less frequently used now due to safety concerns, also enhances gastrointestinal motility by increasing peristalsis and lower esophageal sphincter tone.

In contrast, oxycodone is an opioid analgesic primarily used for pain management. Opioids classically decrease gastrointestinal motility by causing constipation, which is the opposite effect sought in prokinetic therapy. Thus, oxycodone does not have the prokinetic effects associated with the other agents listed, solidifying its position as the correct choice in this context.