Some important information about Domperidone
Dealing with gastrointestinal discomfort or persistent nausea can significantly impact daily life, making the search for effective treatment options a priority for those affected.
If your doctor has suggested domperidone, this article delves into how the medication works, its administration, suitability for different age groups, potential side effects, interactions with other medications, and considerations for safe use.
Chemist2U simplifies medication management and makes it easier and more accessible for everyone. We care about your health, and we want to ensure you have the important information and medication you need to take care of yourself.
In this article
1. How does domperidone work?
Domperidone, commonly sold as Motilium, works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the D2 and D3 receptors, which enhances the movement of the stomach and intestines.[1] This mechanism facilitates the faster passage of food through the digestive system.
Aside from gastrointestinal motility, another one of the uses of domperidone is as a vomiting medication. The medication affects the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain and helps with nausea relief and morning sickness.
Since domperidone is limited in its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, it minimises the risk of central nervous system side effects, making it a safer digestive disorder medication for those with Parkinson’s disease who are seeking relief from gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. How do you take domperidone?
Domperidone can be administered orally or as a suppository, with the intravenous option discontinued due to cardiovascular safety concerns. Domperidone tablets are typically taken with a starting dose of 10 milligrams, four times daily, about thirty minutes before meals, and again at bedtime.[2]
Depending on how well you respond to the medication, the domperidone dosage may be adjusted, potentially up to 80 to 120 milligrams per day. Your doctor may give it up to a month to fully gauge its effectiveness, allowing for a careful balance between beneficial effects and minimising side effects.
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations when adjusting doses to ensure safe treatment.
3. Who can take domperidone?
Domperidone is suitable for adults, particularly for those seeking relief from gastrointestinal discomfort, provided they do not have pre-existing heart conditions or a high risk of heart irregularities.
Note that domperidone is not recommended for use in individuals under eighteen years of age. Extra caution is warranted for individuals over sixty or those taking more than three tablets daily, as the risk of side effects increases with age and dosage. If you experience any signs of heart irregularities while taking the medication, consult your doctor at once.[3]
Additionally, domperidone is not advised for individuals with specific health conditions such as a prolactinoma tumour, liver disease, or certain gastrointestinal tract complications, including bleeding, blockage, or puncture.
4. Side effects of domperidone
Similar to other PPIs, like esomeprazole, domperidone’s side effects are varied, affecting a number of various bodily systems and influenced by factors like age and genetics.[4] Some individuals might notice cardiac symptoms, including palpitations, tachycardia, or chest pain. There’s also a possibility of experiencing effects on the central nervous system, such as feeling disoriented or unusually drowsy.
Other side effects may include leg cramps, unexpected breast discharge, or skin rashes.
This overview does not cover all possible side effects. In some cases, the severity of side effects may necessitate discontinuing domperidone altogether. As with any medication, you should monitor any adverse reactions and promptly consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
5. Domperidone and other medications
Domperidone and metoclopramide are typically prescribed as alternatives to each other for managing gastroparesis and other stomach issues, but they are not interchangeable.
As a motility modifier, domperidone shares many functional similarities with metoclopramide, despite its differing chemical structure and interactions with the body. One important difference is that, unlike metoclopramide, domperidone has a very limited ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier.[5]
This key distinction means domperidone does not cause the same degree of side effects in the central nervous system often associated with metoclopramide, which can occur due to its impact on dopaminergic receptors in the brain.
This is why domperidone can be a preferable option for those managing gastroparesis who can’t take metoclopramide, offering relief from digestive discomfort with less risk of central nervous system-related side effects.
6. Medicines you should not use with domperidone
Be mindful of other medications that might interact negatively with domperidone, particularly those affecting your metabolism and heart rhythm.[6]
Medications to avoid include antifungal agents like ketoconazole and fluconazole, anticholinergic drugs for preventing motion sickness or treating gastrointestinal cramps, and dopaminergic agonists for Parkinson’s Disease. Antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin, HIV treatments like ritonavir, and medications for hepatitis C and heart conditions also fall into this category.
Additionally, drugs used for nausea, chronic pain, mood disorders, and even common antacids and acid reducers should be used with caution. Specifically, antacids or acid-reducing medicines should not be taken within two hours of domperidone to ensure proper absorption, as adequate stomach acid levels are necessary for domperidone to be effectively absorbed into the body.
7. How to order domperidone through Chemist2U
There’s no need to keep searching for a ‘chemist near me’. At Chemist2U, we’re here to simplify your medication management. Start here on the website or download our app to shop and upload your eScript. Explore our wide range of over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products, just like you would at any local pharmacy, and add them to your order.
Rest assured, a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy in your community will carefully fill your order.
For those in metro and major regional areas across Australia, you may enjoy the convenience of same-day delivery straight to your door for some medications. Order before the cutoff for same-day delivery directly from the chemist to your doorstep. Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5 to 7 business days.
This is our commitment to making health management easier and more accessible for you. Trust Chemist2U for hassle-free prescription fulfilment and medication deliveries.
Order home delivery of your medications with Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128012383649218
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19191682/
[3] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/7637cd9b-23fd-4db5-af04-a6e400df20b8-reduced.pdf
[4] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10620-010-1472-2
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002927098003372
[6] https://media.healthdirect.org.au/medicines/GuildLink_Information/242333/CMI/txcdompe10820-5.html
