Domperidone: review of pharmacology and clinical applications in gastroenterology.
Domperidone is a dopamine-2 receptor antagonist. It acts as an antiemetic and a prokinetic agent through its effects on the chemoreceptor trigger zone and motor function of the stomach and small intestine. Unlike metoclopramide, it does not cause any adverse neurological symptoms as it has minimal penetration through the blood-brain barrier. It thus provides an excellent safety profile for long-term administration orally in the recommended doses. Domperidone is widely used in many countries and can now be officially prescribed to patients in the United States by an investigational new drug application for the treatment of gastroparesis and any condition causing chronic nausea and vomiting. In view of this additional clinical exposure of domperidone to a new generation of gastroenterologists and other specialists, the purpose of this timely review is to revisit the pharmacology, clinical application, and safety profile of this beneficial medication.
Reddymasu
Savio C
SC
Department of Medicine, Center for Gastrointestinal Motility, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.
Soykan
Irfan
I
McCallum
Richard W
RW
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004294:Domperidone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000517:prevention & control; D014839:Vomiting / Q000517:prevention & control
D000932:Antiemetics; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D004294:Domperidone