Domperidone

May 20, 2021

Where is Domperidone used?

Domperidone is an FDA-approved anti-sickness medicine used in people to relieve nausea and vomiting. Wherein, it may be due to many causes including general anesthetics, chemotherapy, or migraine. This medicine can also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by medications for Parkinson’s disease such as:

  • Apomorphine
  • Pramipexole
  • Levodopa 

How does Domperidone work?

Domperidone works mainly by blocking dopamine receptors. This causes an increased contraction of the muscles in the stomach, tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, and relaxation of the muscles at the exit of the stomach itself. These actions accelerate the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine. It helps prevent vomiting and lessens bloating, feelings of sickness, and fullness. It also stops food from flowing the wrong way through the stomach and thus prevents reflux. 

This medicine also blocks dopamine receptors establish in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is stimulated by nerve messages from the stomach when an irritant is existent. It is also activated openly by agents flowing in the blood. When activated, it sends messages to a different part of the brain that sends messages to the gut that causes the vomiting reflex. Delaying the dopamine receptors in the CTZ stops nausea messages from being directed to the vomiting center. This decreases the feeling of nausea and prevents vomiting.

How is Domperidone taken?

  • This medicine is taken up to 3 times a day and not usually taken for longer than a week.
  • The dosage given depends on your symptoms and might be different from a different person. It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor. 
  • The usual dose is 10 mg to 30 mg taken up to 3 times a day. 
  • The dosage of children depends on their weight. 
  • Swallow the medicine whole with a glass of water. 
  • It is recommended to take this medicine before meals. It may take longer for the medicine to work if taken after meals. 
  • If you missed a dose, call your health care provider for instructions. Do not take two doses. 

What are the possible side effects of Domperidone?

  • Sleepiness
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Itching 
  • Feeling weak 
  • If you think you have experienced side effects, inform your doctor. 

What are the precautions in taking Domperidone?

  • If you feel like your heart is beating irregularly or very fast while you are taking this medication, it is important to tell your doctor right away.
  • If this medicine is not controlling your symptoms it is important to let your doctor know. Keep in mind to not exceed the recommended dose.
  • This medication should be used with caution in people over 60 years old, children, and people with decreased kidney function.
  • This medication passes into breast milk in very small amounts. For this reason, it is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. 
  • Domperidone is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the possible benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the developing baby.