Domperamol (discontinued in the UK - March 2006)

How does it work?

Domperamol tablets contain two active ingredients, paracetamol and domperidone. Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol produces these effects. Paracetamol is effective at relieving the pain of headaches and migraine. During a migraine attack sufferers can often feel sick or vomit. Domperidone is used to treat this symptom of the migraine. It is an antisickness medicine (antiemetic). Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors that are found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ sends messages to another area of the brain, known as the vomiting centre, which in turn sends nerve messages to the gut that cause vomiting. By blocking dopamine receptors in the CTZ, domperidone prevents messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents vomiting. Domperidone also blocks dopamine receptors in the upper gut. This results in tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, relaxation of the muscles at the exit of the stomach and increased contraction of the muscles in the stomach itself. This speeds the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine. This physically helps to prevent vomiting, but also speeds the passage of the paracetamol into the intestine, allowing it to be absorbed and relieve the headache more quickly. This combination of paracetamol and domperidone is most effective at relieving migraine when it is taken as soon as possible after the onset of an attack.

What is it used for?

Relieving symptoms of migraine

Warning!

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

If vomiting persists, consult your doctor.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Do not take this medicine with any other paracetamol containing products.

An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Use with caution in

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

Refer to the printed instructions for maximum daily intake.

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