Drugs in Focus: Domperidone

Abstract

Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine-2 receptor antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic properties. Its prokinetic effects are mainly manifest in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Currently its use is restricted to relief of nausea and vomiting in children older than 12 years for a short period of time. However, among (pediatric) gastroenterologists, domperidone is also used outside its authorized indication (“off label”) for treatment of symptoms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, and gastroparesis. Little is known about its efficacy in the treatment of GI motility disorders in children and controversial data have emerged in the pediatric literature. As its use is off label, appropriate knowledge of its efficacy is helpful to support an “off label/on evidence” prescription. Based on this, the purpose of this review is to summarize all evidence on the efficacy of domperidone for the treatment of GI disorders in infants and children and to report an overview of its pharmacological properties and safety profile.

Intranasal Delivery of Near‐Infrared and Magnetic Dual‐Response Nanospheres to Rapidly Produce Antidepressant‐Like and Cognitive Enhancement Effects

“…The meaning of different experimental groups was explained as follows: the Control (normal), Model (MK‐801 treated), and CFs@DP groups; Haloperidol (HP), a first‐generation antipsychotic (representative D 2 receptor antagonist), [ 23 ] was utilized for efficacy comparison with CFs@DP; DP, a gastrointestinal prokinetic drug (peripheral D 2 receptor antagonist with nonability of BBB permeability), [ 8 ] was served to distinguish its duration and effects from CFs@DP in the brain.…”

“…In addition, the impact of the BBB makes it difficult for peripheral D 2 receptor antagonists, such as domperidone (DP) and metoclopramide to enter the brain. [8] Therefore, numerous studies are shifting toward modifying drugs that exert rapid influence on synaptic structures and are easy to pass through the BBB, such as hallucinogens and addictive drugs, in an endeavor to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between safety and efficacy. [9] From another aspect, as an essential component of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) [10] and dopamine receptor D 2 (DRD2), [11] iron (Fe) is intricately linked to anxiety, depression, cognitive deficits, and other symptoms related to catecholamine pathways.…”

“…In addition, the impact of the BBB makes it difficult for peripheral D 2 receptor antagonists, such as domperidone (DP) and metoclopramide to enter the brain. [ 8 ] Therefore, numerous studies are shifting toward modifying drugs that exert rapid influence on synaptic structures and are easy to pass through the BBB, such as hallucinogens and addictive drugs, in an endeavor to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between safety and efficacy. [ 9 ]…”

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“…Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, naturally restrains smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, playing a pivotal role in motility regulation ( 13 ). In contrast, Domperidone interacts with dopamine receptors, effectively blocking dopamine's inhibitory effects ( 14 ). This disruption leads to increased smooth muscle activity, thereby amplifying gastrointestinal motility.…”

Plant extract mediated synthesis of ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles for spectrofluorometric assay of omeprazole and domperidone in pharmaceuticals

“…Antiemetic: Domperidone's ability to block dopamine receptors in the stomach and chemoreceptor trigger zones is associated with its antiemetic effect. Domperidone exhibits a strong affinity for dopamine receptors D2 and D3, predominantly located in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, situated just beyond the blood-brain barrier, this zone governs various functions, including nausea and vomiting [ 3 ].…”