How does it work?

Domperidone works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors. Dopamine receptors are found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is activated by nerve messages from the stomach when an irritant is present. It is also activated directly by agents circulating in the blood, for example anti-cancer medicines. Once activated, it sends messages to another area of the brain, the vomiting centre, which in turn sends messages to the gut, causing the vomiting reflex. Blocking the dopamine receptors in the CTZ in the brain prevents nausea messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents the action of vomiting. Blocking the dopamine receptors in the upper gut 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, which physically helps to prevent vomiting. Both actions make domperidone useful in treating nausea and vomiting from many causes, including anti-cancer chemotherapy, following surgery and in migraine. Due to its stimulating action on the gut, domperidone is also used to restore normal muscle tone and function to the gut in some digestive disorders.

What is it used for?

Short term treatment of nausea and vomiting of any cause

Up to 12 weeks treatment of indigestion caused by decreased tone of the muscle in the stomach walls (functional dyspepsia).

Up to 12 weeks treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by bromocriptine or levodopa therapy

Warning!

This medicine is not recommended for use in children unless in the treatment of nausea and vomiting following cancer chemotherapy or irradiation.

Not to be used in

Long term treatment

Prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting

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.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

Label warnings

This medication is available without prescription, only when supplied in small quantities.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Abnormal enlargement of breasts in the male (gynaecomastia)

Abnormal production of breast milk (galactorrhoea)

Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Breast pain

High blood prolactin (milk producing hormone) level (hyperprolactinaemia). Sometimes this can lead to symptoms such as breast enlargement, production of milk and stopping of menstrual periods.

Decreased sex drive

Uncontrolled rolling of the eyes and neck (oculogyric crisis). Requires immediate treatment.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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