Vivadone tablets

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient domperidone, which is a type of medicine called a dopamine antagonist. It is an anti-emetic medicine, meaning it is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to treat abdominal bloating, fullness and discomfort in adults. Domperidone works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors 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 prevents nausea messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents vomiting. Domperidone also blocks dopamine receptors found in the upper end of the digestive system. 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. These actions speed 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 due to many causes, including anti-cancer chemotherapy, emergency hormonal contraception and in migraine. Domperidone is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa, bromocriptine and apomorphine. Due to its stimulating action on the gut, which speeds up stomach emptying into the intestine, domperidone can also be used to relieve upper abdominal discomfort, a sense of fullness or bloating, and regurgitation of the stomach contents that some people experience following meals. (Domperidone can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies for the relief of after meal symptoms, as the branded product Motilium 10. For more information ask your pharmacist. The non-prescription Motilium 10 product is not suitable for use by children under 16 years of age.)

What is it used for?

Nausea and vomiting in adults and children

Relief of upper abdominal discomfort, sense of fullness and regurgitation of stomach contents in adults

Warning!

This medicine is not recommended for long term use.

Motilium tablets contain lactose and may be unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance, glucose/galactose malabsorption or a genetic disorder leading to accumulation of galactose in the blood (galactosaemia). Motilium suspension contains sorbitol and may be unsuitable for people with sorbitol intolerance.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Infants and young children

Prolonged repeated use in severely decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Abnormal hole in the stomach or intestines (gastrointestinal perforation)

Bleeding from the gut (gastrointestinal haemorrhage)

Cancer of the pituitary gland resulting in over-production of the hormone prolactin (prolactinoma)

Conditions in which stimulating movement through the stomach could be harmful (your doctor will know)

Obstruction of the stomach or intestines

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 for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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

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.

Diarrhoea

Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men (gynaecomastia)

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

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.

Stomach cramps

Decreased sex drive

Itchy rash (urticaria)

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.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved