DOMPERIDONE
Brand name Motilium
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Domperidone, an anti-emetic drug, was first Introduced in the early 1980s. It is particularly effective for treating the nausea and vomiting that are caused by gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroenteritis, or that occur as a side effect of other drug treatment (especially anticancer drugs) or radiation therapy, it is not effective for motion sickness or nausea caused by inner ear disorders such as Meniere’s disease.
The main advantage of domperidone over other anti-emetic drugs is that it does not usually cause sedation or other adverse effects such as abnormal movement. Domperidone is not suitable, however, for the long-term treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, for which an alternative drug treatment is often prescribed.
This drug may also be used to relieve dyspepsia (indigestion and heartburn).
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, liquid, suppositories.
Frequency and timing of doses
Nausea/vomiting Every 4-8 hours as required.
Dyspepsia 3 x daily with water before meals and at night (tablets only).
Adult dosage range
10-20mg (by mouth); 30-60mg (rectally).
Onset of effect
Within 1 hour. The effects of the drug may be delayed if taken after the onset of nausea.
Duration of action
Approximately 6 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember for dyspepsia. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next. Then return to your normal dose schedule.
Stopping the drug
Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause dizziness. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects from this drug are rare.
INTERACTIONS
Anticholinergic drugs
These may reduce the beneficial effects of domperidone.
Opioid analgesics
These may reduce the beneficial effects of domperidone.
Bromocriptine
Domperidone may reduce the effect of bromocriptine in some people.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Anti-emetic drug
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have a long-term kidney problem.
You have thyroid disease.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug may pass into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Prescribed only to treat nausea and vomiting caused by anticancer drugs or radiation therapy. Reduced dose necessary.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No special problems.
Alcohol
No special problems, but alcohol is best avoided in cases of nausea and vomiting.
PROLONGED USE
Not prescribed for long-term treatment.
