What is Domperidone?
Domperidone is an antiemetic (anti-vomiting) and prokinetic (drug that increases gastrointestinal motility) drug. This drug belongs to the dopamine antagonist drug group.
Domperidone can treat nausea and vomiting, as well as stomach pain . It also treats discomfort caused by decreased movement of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract .
How it works increases movement or muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines. This way, food can move easily through the digestive tract, reducing the feeling of bloating.
Domperidone can also sometimes be used to increase breast milk supply. Doctors may prescribe it if a mother is having difficulty breastfeeding, but only if other treatments have not worked.
- Class: Dopamine antagonists, antiemetics, and prokinetics.
- Category: Prescription drugs.
- Benefits of Domperidone: Accelerates intestinal or stomach contractions , relieves nausea and vomiting, and increases breast milk production.
- Used by: Adults and children over 12 years of age weighing more than 35 kg.
- Domperidone for pregnant women: The drug is included in category C in the mother, which shows side effects on the fetus. So far there have been no controlled studies to find out the truth. Its use should only be if the benefits outweigh the risks. For breastfeeding mothers, discuss the use with your doctor first. Although it does not penetrate into breast milk, the drug can potentially harm the baby.
- Domperidone for breastfeeding mothers: The drug can be absorbed into breast milk. Discuss the use with your doctor first to minimize the risk of side effects.
- Drug form: Tablets, caplets, suspensions, and drops.
This is the reason why the drug should not be used for children under 12 years.
Warnings Before Taking Domperidone
There are some things you need to pay attention to before taking the drug. Here are the warnings before taking domperidone :
- Avoid using domperidone maleate if you have an allergy to domperidone or any other ingredients in it.
- Before using the medicine, tell your doctor about your medical history. Especially if you have liver or kidney problems, or heart problems , such as irregular heartbeat.
- Also avoid taking this drug if you have problems with your digestive tract, such as blockage or bleeding in the intestines.
- Also tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription, vitamin supplements and herbal medicines. This is to prevent drug interactions.
- Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- Do not drive or engage in activities that require attention and alertness.
- Get yourself checked if you experience a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, a drastic drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the face, tongue, and mouth.
- Avoid using the drug in people weighing less than 35 kg.
- Avoid using domperidone after abdominal surgery.
Facts about Domperidone
1. Domperidone will start working in the body after about 30 to 60 minutes.
2. The drug will work better if taken before meals.
3. Domperidone is generally only prescribed for a short period of time (approximately 1 week).
Study on the Benefits of Domperidone
A systematic review published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2008 evaluated the effectiveness of domperidone in treating diabetic gastroparesis.
The analysis included 28 studies from 1981 to 2007, with a total of 1,016 participants. The results showed that:
- 64 percent of studies reported domperidone was effective in reducing symptoms, 60 percent showed increased gastric emptying, and 67 percent reported decreased hospitalization rates.
Dosage and Directions for Use
The dosage and rules of use of the drug depend on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendation. Here are general guidelines for the dosage and rules of use of domperidone:
Overcoming nausea and vomiting
- Domperidone dosage for children over 12 years of age weighing over 35 kg: 10 mg, 1–3 times daily. Maximum dosage of 30 mg per day, maximum 1 week.
- Adults: 10 mg, 1–3 times daily. Maximum dose of 30 mg per day, maximum 1 week.
Treating gastroparesis
- Adults: 10 mg, 3–4 times daily. The dose may be increased to 20 mg, 3–4 times daily.
Increase the amount of breast milk
- Adults: 10 mg, every 8 hours. The dose may be increased or decreased according to the individual’s response to the drug.
How to Use Domperidone
Please pay attention to the procedures below to prevent side effects after use:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and read the directions on the medicine packaging before taking it. Do not reduce or increase the dose without your doctor’s knowledge.
- Domperidone is best taken 15-30 minutes before meals. If you take it after meals, the medication will still work, but it may take a little longer to feel the effects.
- For domperidone tablets, swallow them whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.
- If taking domperidone in liquid form, use the plastic measuring cup provided in the package.
- Do not store the medicine in hot, humid places and exposed to direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Side effects
Mild side effects of domperidone that may occur include:
- Headache.
- Sleepy.
- A feeling of anxiety arises.
- Diarrhea.
- Pain in the breast.
- Breast milk comes out of the breast.
- Weak.
See a doctor immediately if you experience drug allergies, overdose symptoms, or serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty speaking.
- Confusion or confusion.
- Dizziness or feeling like you’re floating.
- Pain in the chest area.
- Uncontrolled body movements.
- Urinary disorders.
- Heart rate changes.
Interaction
Domperidone can interact if you take it with certain medications. It can affect how the medication works or increase the risk of side effects.
Therefore, avoid taking domperidone with the following medications:
- Azole antifungals, especially oral ketoconazole , fluconazole or voriconazole.
- Antibacterials, especially erythromycin , clarithromycin, telithromycin, moxifloxacin, and pentamidine ( antibiotics ).
- Medicines for heart problems or high blood pressure: amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, dofetilide, sotalol, diltiazem, verapamil.
- Drugs for psychosis: haloperidol, pimozide, sertindole.
- Antidepressants, such as citalopram, and escitalopram.
- Drugs to treat digestive disorders, such as cisapride, dolasetron, and prucalopride.
- Antihistamines to treat allergies, such as mequitazine, mizolastine.
- Malaria drugs, especially halofantrine.
- AIDS/HIV drugs: protease inhibitors.
- Anticancer, such as toremifene, vandetanib, vincamine.
Contraindications
Domperidone has contraindications in the following conditions:
- Pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma).
- Having low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood.
- Blockage or tear in the intestine.
- Suffering from moderate or severe liver disease.
- Heart failure.
- EKG (electrocardiogram) shows heart problems or “prolonged corrected QT interval”.
Conclusion
Domperidone syrup or tablets are drugs used to treat digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis. However, its use must be in accordance with the doctor’s instructions by considering the health conditions of each individual.
Always consult your doctor before taking this medication, especially if you have a history of certain diseases or are taking other medications.
