About Domperidone
Domperidone is a prescription drug manufactured by the Janssen-Cilag pharmaceutical company of New Zealand. Domperidone, also known by the trade name Motilium, is used primarily for the treatment of acid reflux or nausea of any origin. Domperidone is also used in some cases to induce or increase lactation.
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The Facts
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Domperidone is widely used throughout Europe and Canada, even for the treatment of reflux in infants. However, the FDA has not allowed it to pass the approval process for availability in the United States. Domperidone can be purchased from some compounding pharmacies in the U.S. because this type of pharmacy is not regulated by the FDA. It is also available for order from overseas pharmacies.
Risk Factors
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Adverse side effects are rare, and some of those more commonly reported are headache (typically only in the initial stages of beginning treatment), abdominal cramping, dry mouth and possible delaying of the menstrual cycle. More serious side effects of domperidone are uncommon, typically occurring in fewer than one in 10,000 users; these can include rash, breast enlargement in males, decreased libido or allergic reaction. Contraindications for taking domperidone include:
- Prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor which releases prolactin)
- The administration, along with domperidone, of CYP3A4 inhibitors such as oral ketoconazole, erythromycin, fluconazole, clarithromycin and telithromycin
- Known history of breast cancer -
Effects
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Domperidone produces faster digestion, improved gastrointestinal function and relief from the discomfort of acid reflux. The drug also commonly causes increased prolactin, which can increase the breast milk supply of nursing mothers.
Function
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Domperidone works as a dopamine inhibitor---since dopamine receptors produce the message for nausea and vomiting, the administration of domperidone can prevent these events from happening. When used to increase breast milk supply, domperidone works by suppressing dopamine production. Dopamine normally suppresses prolactin, therefore domperidone allows prolactin to increase in the blood stream, which in turn increases milk production.
Expert Insight
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According to Dr. Jack Newman, renowned Canadian pediatrician and breastfeeding consultant, the use of domperidone for breast milk supply is most effective if the mother is pumping her milk for an ill or premature infant, or if she has experienced a drop in her milk supply due to hormonal birth control or other decreases following a history of full milk supply. Domperidone also works well in many cases, though not quite as significantly, when the mother is breastfeeding an adopted baby or attempting to develop a full milk supply for a sick or premature baby when she has not had a full supply at any point.
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