Domperidone Side Effects – Everything that you want to know –

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Domperidone (aka Motilium®) is a very well tolerated drug and has been on the market since 1978, however, as with any drug for human use, side effects are possible and expected.
In clinical studies with oral domperidone the overall incidence of side effects was <7%. Some of these side effects are an extension of the dopamine antagonist properties of domperidone. Most side effects resolve spontaneously during continued therapy or are
easily tolerated. The more serious or troublesome side effects (galactorrhea, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities) are dose-related and gradually resolve after lowering the dose or discontinuing therapy.
Central Nervous System side effeccts (Brain): 4.6%; dry mouth (1.9%), headache/migraine (1.2%), insomnia,
nervousness, dizziness, thirst, lethargy, irritability (all <1%).  Domperidone is your great alternative for metoclopramide.
Gastrointestinal (stomach): 2.4%; abdominal cramps, diarrhea, regurgitation, nausea, changes in
appetite, heartburn, constipation (all <1%).
Endocrinological: 1.3%; hot flushes, mastalgia, galactorrhea, gynecomastia, menstrual
irregularities.
Mucocutaneous (skin): 1.1%; rash, pruritus, urticaria, stomatitis, conjunctivitis.
Urinary: 0.8%; urinary frequency, dysuria.
Cardiovascular side effects: 0.5%; edema, palpitations. torsade de points, serious ventricular arrhythmias (frequency unknown),
sudden cardiac death (frequency unknown).

Musculoskeletal: 0.1%; leg cramps, asthenia.Miscellaneous: 0.1%; drug intolerance.
Laboratory Parameters: elevated serum prolactin (at high doses Domperidone is used to stimulate lactation because of this effect on prolactin), elevation of SGOT, SGPT and cholesterol (all <1.0%).

Extrapyramidal phenomena side effects are rare in adults; they reverse spontaneously as soon as treatment is stopped. When the blood-brain barrier is immature (as in infants) or impaired, the possible occurrence of neurological side effects cannot be excluded

Cardiovascular adverse effects:
Recent epidemiological studies and review of postmarket safety data demonstrated that domperidone (Motilium®) may be associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.  The risk may be higher in patients older than 60 years or in patients taking a daily dose of more than 30 mg.

Domperidone should not be used:
– concomitantly with drugs which prolong the QT interval
– in patients who have existing prolongation of cardiac conduction intervals,
particularly QT
– in patients with significant electrolyte disturbances or underlying cardiac
diseases such as congestive heart failure
– concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors which may increase plasma
levels of domperidone

Domperidone Indication