Domperidone is a drug used to stop nausea and vomiting. This drug is also used to treat pain or discomfort in the stomach due to gastroparesis.
Domperidone is a dopamine antagonist. By blocking the action of dopamine, domperidone can reduce the stimuli for nausea or vomiting that originate in the brain. Domperidone can also increase the movement of the digestive tract thereby accelerating gastric emptying.
In addition to inhibiting dopamine, domperidone can also increase prolactin levels , a hormone that plays a role in breast milk production. This makes domperidone useful for increasing breast milk when other methods have not been effective.
Domperidone trademarks : Costil, Dome, Domedom, Domperidone, Domperidone Maleate, Etalium, Galdom, Gerdilium, Rosidon, Vometa, Vomita, Vosedon
What is Domperidone
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Dopamine antagonist, antiemetic, and prokinetic |
| Benefit | Relieves nausea and vomiting, speeds up intestinal or stomach contractions, and increases milk production |
| Used by | Adults and children aged ≥12 years and weighing ≥35 kg |
| Domperidone for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N : Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but controlled studies in pregnant women are limited.
Drugs should only be used if the magnitude of the benefits outweighs the risks to the fetus. Domperidone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets, suspension, and oral drops (drops) |
Precautions Before Taking Domperidone
Pay attention to the following things before you take domperidone:
Do not use domperidone if you are allergic to it or weigh under 35 kg.
Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, pituitary gland tumor , kidney problems, liver problems, intestinal obstruction , or inflammation of the intestines, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis .
Tell your doctor if you or your family have had or are currently suffering from breast cancer, heart rhythm disturbances ( arrhythmias ), abnormalities in EKG results, or sudden cardiac arrest at a young age.
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a condition that increases your risk of having a heart attack , such as high blood pressure, obesity , high cholesterol levels, diabetes , alcoholism, or smoking.
Tell your doctor if you have recently had stomach surgery.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are using supplements, herbal products, or other medicines, to prevent drug interactions.
Do not drive or do activities that require alertness after taking domperidone, because this drug can cause headaches or drowsiness in some people.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking domperidone.
Dosage and Rules for Domperidone
The following are common doses of domperidone based on treatment goals and body weight (BB):
Purpose: Treat nausea and vomiting
Adults and children aged ≥12 years and weight ≥35 kg: 10 mg, 1–3 times daily. Maximum dose: 30 mg per day. The maximum duration of treatment is 1 week.
Purpose: Increase the amount of breast milk in nursing mothers
Adult: 10 mg every 8 hours. Dosage can change according to the body's response to the drug.
Purpose: Treat gastroparesis
Adult: 10 mg, 3–4 times daily. Dosage in some people can be increased to 20 mg, 3-4 times a day.
How to Take Domperidone Properly
Follow the doctor 's instructions and read the instructions on the domperidone packaging before starting to take it. Do not reduce or increase the dose consumed without doctor's advice.
Take domperidone on an empty stomach, at least 15–30 minutes before eating. Domperidone in tablet or caplet form needs to be consumed in its entirety with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medication before swallowing it.
Domperidone in the form of a suspension or drops needs to be consumed using a measuring spoon or a special measuring device so that the dosage is correct. Always shake the medication before consumption.
Domperidone generally works 30–60 minutes after consumption. You do not need to take domperidone again if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not use domperidone for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor.
Store domperidone in a container protected from heat, humidity and direct sunlight. Do not store domperidone in the freezer and keep it out of reach of children.
Domperidone Interactions with Other Drugs
Some interactions that can occur if domperidone is used with certain drugs include:
Decreased blood levels of domperidone when used with antacids or stomach acid reducers, such as omeprazole or ranitidine
Decreased effectiveness of domperidone when used with anticholinergic agents, such as dextromethorphan or diphenhydramine
Increased risk of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest when used with clarithromycin, ketoconazole , amiodarone, haloperidol , erythromycin, or cisapride
Consuming domperidone with grapefruit or its derivatives can increase the risk of side effects from domperidone. Therefore, avoid consuming grapefruit while you are taking this drug.
Domperidone Side Effects and Dangers
A common side effect after taking domperidone is dry mouth . These side effects are usually mild and get better on their own. Some other side effects that can occur in some people due to domperidone consumption are:
Headache
Drowsiness
Worried
Diarrhea
Breast pain
Milk coming out of the breasts, both in men and women
Weak
Call your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after stopping domperidone. You also need to see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, symptoms of an overdose, or serious side effects, such as:
It's hard to talk
dazed
Dizzy or feeling like you are floating,
Lost balance
Faint
Chest pain
Uncontrolled movements, including in the eyes
seizures
Urination disorders
Heart pounding or throbbing irregularly