Domperidone uses and side effects
Table of Contents
Domperidone – Introduction
Domperidone is a dopamine (D2) receptor antagonist. It is mainly used as a prokinetic agent (helps in movement of the stomach and intestines) and as an antiemetic (to prevent nausea and vomiting).
Composition
- Active ingredient: Domperidone (usually 10 mg per tablet or suspension 1 mg/ml)
- Available forms: Tablets, oral suspension (syrup), and sometimes suppositories
Uses (Indications)
Domperidone is commonly prescribed for:
- Nausea and vomiting (due to infections, medications, or other causes)
- Gastric motility disorders (delayed emptying of the stomach)
- Bloating, indigestion, and feeling of fullness
- Acid reflux–related discomfort (as supportive therapy with antacids/PPIs)
- In some cases, used to improve milk production in breastfeeding mothers (off-label, only under medical supervision)
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Domperidone can cause side effects:
Common:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps or diarrhea
Less common but serious:
- Irregular heartbeat / palpitations (QT prolongation)
- Breast tenderness or galactorrhea (milk secretion) due to prolactin increase
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
⚠️ Important: Because of the risk of cardiac side effects, many countries restrict Domperidone use in children <12 years and in people with heart conditions. Always use under doctor’s advice.
Popular Brand Names in Pakistan
Domperidone is widely available under many brand names, such as:
- Motilium (by Janssen)
- Domel (by Hilton Pharma)
- Dompy (by Searle)
- Domidon (by Getz Pharma)
- Dominium (by Sami Pharma)
✅ In summary: Domperidone is used for nausea, vomiting, and gastric motility problems, but it must be used cautiously due to potential heart-related side effects.
Comparison table — Domperidone vs similar antiemetic/prokinetic medicines (uses, side effects, and popular brand names in Pakistan)
Below is a compact comparison of Domperidone, Metoclopramide, Ondansetron, and Promethazine — with typical uses, important side effects, and common Pakistani brand names/manufacturers. I’ve included safety highlights where relevant.
| Medicine | Main class / mechanism | Common uses | Key side effects / safety notes | Popular brand names (Pakistan) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domperidone | Peripheral D₂ receptor antagonist; prokinetic/antiemetic. | Nausea/vomiting, gastroparesis, dyspepsia; sometimes (off-label) to stimulate lactation. | Dry mouth, headache, abdominal cramps, raised prolactin (galactorrhea). Important: associated with QT prolongation / rare cardiac arrhythmias — regulatory bodies advise restricting use in patients with cardiac risk, hepatic impairment, children <12 yrs; use lowest effective dose. (Wikipedia) | Motilium (J&J), Domel (Barrett Hodgson), Domidon/Peridone/Perilium (various local manufacturers), Vomilux, Dompy. (Many generics listed in local directories). |
| Metoclopramide | D₂ receptor antagonist with central action (prokinetic + antiemetic). | Nausea/vomiting (including chemotherapy, gastroparesis), gastroprokinetic use. | Sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms (tardive dyskinesia with long-term/high-dose use), restlessness, diarrhea. Caution in Parkinson’s disease or when combined with other dopaminergic blockers. | Maxolon / Maxolon (GSK in Pakistan), many generics (metoclopramide tablets, syrups, injections). |
| Ondansetron | 5-HT₃ (serotonin) receptor antagonist — powerful antiemetic. | Prevention/treatment of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, postoperative nausea; used off-label for other nausea causes. | Headache, constipation, rarely QT prolongation (more concern at high IV doses or in combination with QT-prolonging drugs). Generally well tolerated. | Zofran (brand), Emeset and multiple generics available locally. (DrugBank) |
| Promethazine | First-generation H₁ antihistamine with strong sedative/antiemetic properties. | Motion sickness, allergic symptoms, short-term control of nausea/vomiting, sedation. | Sedation/drowsiness, anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention). Avoid in young children (risk of respiratory depression) and in those needing alertness. | Phenergan (international), local generics of promethazine syrup/tablets available in Pakistan. (Mayo Clinic) |
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