Domperidone, generally sold under the brand name Motilium among others, is a medication used as an antiemetic, gastric prokinetic agent and galactagogue. It is commonly used for treating common problems of indigestion, nausea, heartburn, constant feeling of fullness and vomiting. It has also proved to be very useful for the treatment of motion sickness.
As an effective prokinetic, this drug works on the upper digestive tract to enhance the movement of the stomach and the intestines to allow the movement of food more quickly through the passage. It also affects the region of the brain associated with vomiting (1).
Medical practitioners generally prescribe it for short durations, to be consumed three times daily 30 minutes before the consumption of meals, based on the condition that is being treated. Of course, the dosage is dependent on every individual’s medical condition and response to treatment (1 & 2).
Looking back at the past
A research on antipsychotic drugs was followed by the synthesis of Domperidone at Janssen Pharmaceutica, Belgium in 1974. The chemical formula was patented in the US on 3rd January 1978. The known inventors of the medicine are Jan Vandenberk, Ludo E. J. Kennis, & Marcel J. M. C. Van der Aa. The Canadian Headache Society strongly recommends Domperidone for the treatment of nausea (3). This discovery provided an effective solution for Nausea in the long run.
Common side effects
As with most drugs, patients consuming Domperidone may experience some common side effects, such as a dry mouth, dizziness, headache, anxiety, menstrual changes and more. Some of the rare reactions of the chemical formula might manifest in a risk of sudden cardiac death depending on the dosage. Seek medical assistance immediately in case of any uneasiness post administration of Domperidone (4).
Precautions before consumption
For most people, consuming Domperidone is totally safe. It is indeed an effective solution for nausea. However, there are certain cases wherein you must first check with your healthcare professional:
- It is best to avoid consuming alcohol, as it may lead to excessive drowsiness.
- Do not take the medicine for more than 7 days without informing the doctor.
- It is best not to mix it with antibiotics.
- Avoid this drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children under 12 years should be administered this drug only after strict medical supervision.
- Patients suffering from irregular heart rhythm or problems with the liver or kidneys should avoid this drug.
- Any medical history of allergic reactions should be informed to the doctor.
- The medicine should be avoided in the case of any recent surgery, especially when it is connected to the stomach and intestines (2 & 4).
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Shubham Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd. is a leading pharmaceutical organization with core competencies in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), herbal extracts, nutraceutical ingredients as well as cosmetic ingredients. Still going strong after 29 years, the company has enjoyed stupendous success vis-a-vis manufacturing and distribution services across the globe in this critical industry.
Shubham Pharmachem is committed to increasing access to premium healthcare by developing, producing and exporting a wide array of affordable pharmaceutical products. For Pharmaceutical Companies globally, availing Domperidone from Shubham Pharmachem has become convenient, affordable and less time taking. Domperidone is tested and proven to be an effective solution for nausea among others.
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Disclaimer:
Shubham Pharmachem’s blog & articles have been written with the information gathered from approved medical journals and websites online. Our research and technical team strives to provide relevant information through such articles. We strongly advise readers to not consume or administer any medication with prior consultation with their doctor.
References
- Arana, A., B Johannes, C., J McQuay, L., Varas-Lorenzo, C., Fife, D. and J Rothman, K. Risk of Out-of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Death in Users of Domperidone, Proton Pump Inhibitors, or Metoclopramide: A Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26350642/
- Medicines. Domperidone 10mg Tablets – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc). [online] Medicines.org.uk. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/556/smpc#gref
- PubMed. Domperidone. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30000430/
- Medsafe. Domperidone (Motilium, Prokinex) – conclusion of review of benefits and risks of harm. [online] Medsafe.govt.nz. Available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/safety/ews/2014/Domperidone.asp
