Motilium: Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Effects
Feb 23, 2021
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. Enhancing gastric motility: Although domperidone does not directly aid digestion, it promotes gastric motility—shortening postprandial gastric emptying time—and increases the diameter of the pylorus 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 exerts antiemetic activity without impairing gastric secretory function.
3. Prevention of gastroesophageal reflux: Domperidone increases the tone of the lower esophageal (cardiac) sphincter, thereby preventing reflux of gastric contents or gastric juice into the esophagus and protecting the esophageal mucosa from injury.
Patients with functional dyspepsia—or those experiencing nausea and vomiting following surgery or certain medications—should consult a physician before using domperidone. Prolonged use of this medication is not recommended. Instead, treatment should focus on addressing the underlying etiology. Long-term administration may lead to cardiac toxicity and the development of drug tolerance.
