Domperidone: Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Effects
Jul 03, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shengwei
Introduction
Promotes gastric motility, relieves nausea and vomiting, and prevents gastroesophageal reflux.
1. Promotes gastric motility: Domperidone does not directly aid digestion but enhances gastric motility and shortens postprandial gastric emptying time.
2. Antiemetic effect: It effectively controls nausea and vomiting without impairing gastric secretory function.
3. Prevents gastroesophageal reflux: Domperidone increases the tone of the lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter, thereby preventing reflux of gastric contents or gastric juice into the esophagus.
Domperidone tablets—the generic name for Motilium—are over-the-counter prokinetic agents. Their primary pharmacological effects include:
1. Enhancement of gastric motility: Although domperidone does not directly aid digestion, it promotes gastric motility—shortening postprandial gastric emptying time—and increases the diameter of the pyloric orifice while prolonging its relaxation phase. This facilitates the passage of food from the stomach into the duodenum and small intestine, thereby promoting nutrient absorption.
2. Antiemetic effect: Domperidone effectively controls nausea and vomiting without impairing gastric secretory function.
3. Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux: Domperidone increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby preventing reflux of gastric contents or gastric juice into the esophagus and protecting the esophageal mucosa from injury.
Caution is advised when using domperidone to treat functional dyspepsia or nausea and vomiting secondary to surgery or certain medications; consultation with a physician is recommended prior to initiation of therapy. Prolonged use of this medication is not advised. Instead, treatment should target the underlying etiology. Long-term administration may lead to cardiac toxicity and potential development of drug resistance.
