Domperidone tablet is the most widely used treatment for vomiting and acid reflux. It is often used in combination with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
Domperidone Tablet Uses
1) Nausea or Vomiting
2) Gastroparesis, In this case food remains in the intestine for a long time leading to symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, and heaviness in the abdomen.
3) Dispepsia, It is also known as indigestion. In this case, food is not digested as quickly and bowel movements slow down.
4) Reflux Esophagitis, In this case, the food in our stomach starts to enter the mouth from the food pipe in the opposite direction.
Because of this there is a burning sensation and heartburn.
Mode of Action of Domperidone Tablet
Domperidone works in two ways in our bodies, first in the chemo receptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain and second in the peripheral tissue of the stomach.
The CTZ is a part of the brain called the Medulla Oblongata.
It plays an important role in triggering vomiting. When the CTZ is stimulated, it commands the body to vomit.
This irritation can be due to number of reasons like diseases, chemicals, toxic substances, etc.
Domperidone blocks D2 receptors (Dopamine receptors) in the CTZ part of our brain.
Therefore, CTZ is not stimulated and the patient don’t feel like vomiting.
D2 receptors are also found in the smooth muscles of our intestines.
Domperidone also blocks D2 receptors present in the gut.
The D2 receptors control the movements of our intestines. When D2 receptors are blocked, bowel movements speed up.
As a result, food quickly reaches the intestines and then the colon. In this way, it stimulates the elimination of harmful substances from the body.
Domperidone works by controlling the opening and closing of a type of valve found in our stomach LES (lower esophageal sphincter).
As a result, the patient does not experience repeated reflux.
D2 receptors also play an important role in the control of LES. Domperidone here also blocks D2 receptors in LES.
Therefore, the LES maintains its tone and reflux does not come.
However, only a small fraction of domperidone can cross the blood-brain barrier, so it has less effect on the CTZ and more on the smooth muscles of the intestine, thereby controlling vomiting.
Side Effects of Domperidone Tablet
Domperidone side effects are rarely seen, but in some patients it can cause side effects such as:
1) Difficulty in speaking
2) Difficulty in balancing and controlling the body
3) Dizziness
4) Irregular heart rate
5) Swelling on face
6) Dry mouth
7) Itching in the body
8) Diarrhea
9) Headache
Domperidone Dosage for Adults and Children
Domperidone should not be used in people weighing less than 35 kg.
The dose of domperidone should be 10mg three times a day, ie TID.
Maximum up to 30 mg per day, taking more than that domperidone will start to have side effects.
Children weighing more than 35 kg should take the same dose as adults.
Domperidone must be taken on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal for it to take full effect.
Who Cannot Take Domperidone
1) Patients weighing less than 35 kg
2) To a patient with blockage in the intestines
3) Kidney or liver patients
4) Patients who have recently undergone hernia or abdominal surgery
5) When there is internal bleeding in the stomach
6) If there is a tumor in the pituitary gland
7) Patients with irregular heartbeat
8) Pregnant or lactating women
Are There Any Drugs You Cannot Mix With Domperidone
Domperidone should not be given with the following medicines:
Bepridil, Cisapride, Darunavir, Dronedarone, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Levoketoconazole, Mesoridazine, Pimozide, Piperaquine, Posaconazole, Saquinavir, Sparfloxacin, Terfenadine, Thioridazine, Ziprasidone
How Long Does it Take to See Results From Domperidone
It takes 60 minutes for Domperidone to work. It may take up to a week before you see the maximum effect. Its bio availability is only 15%.
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