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Brand Name

ratio-Domperidone

Common Name

domperidone

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Domperidone helps the stomach to empty more quickly in people where this is a problem. It helps to reduce reflux (stomach acid coming back up) and the sensation of fullness. Domperidone is also used to prevent stomach problems associated with the use of certain medications used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use this medication?

The usual adult dose of domperidone is 10 mg three to four times a day, taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime if required. The dose sometimes needs to be increased to 20 mg four times a day. When treating the nausea and vomiting associated with medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, the usual adult dosage is 20 mg three or four times a day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each white, film-coated, round, biconvex tablet, engraved with "rph D51" on one side and plain on the other side, contains domperidone maleate 12.72 mg (equivalent to domperidone 10 mg). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, sodium benzoate and docusate sodium, sodium croscarmellose, titanium dioxide and triacetin. Bisulfite-, gluten- and tartrazine-free.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Domperidone should not be used:

• by anyone allergic to domperidone or any of the ingredients of the medication
• whenever faster passage of materials through the stomach might be dangerous (e.g., in cases of stomach bleeding, blockage in the stomach, or breaks in the stomach lining)
• by anyone with a prolactin-releasing pituitary tumour (known as a prolactinoma)

What side effects are possible with this medication?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

Less common:

• breast milk flowing from the nipple
• dry mouth
• swelling of the breast (males)
• headache
• hives
• hot flashes
• itching of skin
• itching, redness, pain, or swelling of eye
• menstrual irregularities
• pain in the breast

Rare:

change in need to urinate change in appetite constipation diarrhea burning, difficult, or painful urination difficulty speaking dizziness drowsiness heartburn irritability

lack or loss of strength leg cramps mental dullness nervousness palpitations sluggishness stomach cramps thirst tiredness weakness

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

• loss of balance or muscle control
• swelling of the mouth

  Rare:

• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• swelling of face, hands, lower legs, or feet

Other side effects not listed above may occur in some people. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Liver function: Since domperidone is broken down in the liver, it should be used with caution by people with reduced liver function.

Pregnancy: This medication has not been studied for use by pregnant women. For this reason, domperidone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the potential risk. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Breast-feeding: Domperidone passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Nursing is not recommended for women taking domperidone unless the expected benefits outweigh any potential risk.

Children: The safety and efficacy of this medication have not been established for children, so it should not be used by this age group.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

The following medications may affect how domperidone works or increase the risk of side effects:

• "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)
• erythromycin antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir)
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine)
• nefazodone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Disclaimer

The information within this website is for Canadian audiences only. This content is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. It should not be relied upon or interpreted as a recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product or course of action. The information on the site is not intended as a substitute of any kind for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before taking any product, changing your lifestyle, or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. If you suspect that you are ill or may have a medical emergency, contact a physician, a health professional or call 911 immediately.