Dompеridonе is a mеdication that has bееn usеd for ovеr 30 yеars to trеat nausеa and vomiting. Howеvеr, it has also bееn shown to havе a widе rangе of othеr potеntial usеs, including trеating gastroparеsis, increasing milk production in breastfeeding women, and even boosting athletic performances. More uses that have been proven scientifically are listed below.
Uses of Domperidone
1. Nausea and Vomiting:
Domperidone is often prescribed to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, chemotherapy, and post-operative recovery.
2. Gastroparesis:
Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying. Domperidone can help improve stomach emptying and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and early satiety.
3. Reflux Esophagitis:
Domperidone may be used to manage symptoms of reflux esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the esophagus due to stomach acid reflux.
4. Milk Production:
In some cases, domperidone is prescribed off-label to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding mothers who have low milk supply. It works by increasing the release of prolactin, a hormone that promotes milk production.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
Domperidone may be used in the management of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, and altered bowel habits.
6. Motion Sickness:
Domperidone can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
7. Dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a common condition characterized by symptoms such as bloating, stomach discomfort, and early satiety. Domperidone may be used to relieve these symptoms and improve digestion.
8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
Domperidone can be used as part of the treatment plan for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition characterized by acid reflux from the stomach to the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
9. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome:
Domperidone may be prescribed for the management of cyclic vomiting syndrome, a disorder characterized by episodes of severe vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
10. Post-surgical Nausea and Vomiting:
After surgical procedures, some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting. Domperidone can help control these symptoms and promote a quicker recovery.
11. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Domperidone may be prescribed to children with gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or functional dyspepsia to help manage symptoms like vomiting, regurgitation, and poor weight gain.
12. Chronic Constipation:
Domperidone has been used in combination with other medications to help relieve chronic constipation, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
13. Migraine:
In some cases, domperidone may be prescribed off-label as part of a migraine treatment regimen to help alleviate associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
14. Parkinson’s Disease:
Domperidone has been used to manage certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and nausea, although its use in Parkinson’s disease is less common due to potential interactions with other medications used for the condition.
15. Functional Dyspepsia:
Domperidone can be prescribed to individuals with functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by recurring or persistent indigestion symptoms, to help improve gastric emptying and reduce symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, and upper abdominal pain.
16. Antipsychotic-induced Side Effects:
Domperidone can be used to manage side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances caused by antipsychotic medications.
11. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Domperidone may be prescribed to children with gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or functional dyspepsia to help manage symptoms like vomiting, regurgitation, and poor weight gain.
12. Chronic Constipation:
Domperidone has been used in combination with other medications to help relieve chronic constipation, particularly when other treatments have been ineffective.
13. Migraine:
In some cases, domperidone may be prescribed off-label as part of a migraine treatment regimen to help alleviate associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
14. Parkinson’s Disease:
Domperidone has been used to manage certain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction and nausea, although its use in Parkinson’s disease is less common due to potential interactions with other medications used for the condition.
15. Functional Dyspepsia:
Domperidone can be prescribed to individuals with functional dyspepsia, a condition characterized by recurring or persistent indigestion symptoms, to help improve gastric emptying and reduce symptoms such as bloating, early satiety, and upper abdominal pain.
16. Antipsychotic-induced Side Effects:
Domperidone can be used to manage side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal disturbances caused by antipsychotic medications.
23. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Domperidone may be prescribed to children with gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia. It helps to alleviate symptoms such as regurgitation, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
24. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
In some cases of irritable bowel syndrome, where symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, domperidone can be used to provide relief and improve gastrointestinal motility.
25. Motion Sickness:
Domperidone has been used to manage symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea and vomiting, by helping to stabilize the digestive system and reduce the impact of motion-related stimuli.
26. Reflux Esophagitis:
Domperidone can be prescribed to individuals with reflux esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus due to the backward flow of stomach acid. It helps to reduce symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.
27. Functional Dyspepsia:
Domperidone may be used to alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia, a chronic disorder characterized by recurring upper abdominal pain or discomfort, early satiety, and bloating, in the absence of any underlying organic cause.
28. Gastroparesis:
Domperidone is sometimes prescribed to individuals with gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes longer than usual to empty its contents. It helps to improve gastric motility and reduce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
29. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting:
Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience severe nausea and vomiting as side effects of the treatment. Domperidone can be used as an adjunct therapy to manage these symptoms and improve the quality of life during chemotherapy.
30. Preoperative Medication:
Before certain surgical procedures, domperidone may be administered to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It helps to reduce the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery after surgery.
31. Dyspepsia in Parkinson’s Disease:
Patients with Parkinson’s disease often experience dyspepsia, which includes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. Domperidone can be used to alleviate these gastrointestinal symptoms and improve overall digestive function in Parkinson’s disease patients.
32. Galactorrhea:
Galactorrhea is a condition characterized by spontaneous, inappropriate lactation not related to breastfeeding. Domperidone may be prescribed to suppress lactation in certain cases of galactorrhea.
33. Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders:
Domperidone may be used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia. It helps to relieve symptoms like regurgitation, heartburn, and stomach discomfort in pediatric patients.
34. Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction:
After certain surgeries, patients may experience gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can manifest as delayed gastric emptying, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Domperidone can be prescribed to accelerate gastric motility and restore normal digestive function post-surgery.
35. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
In some cases of irritable bowel syndrome, domperidone may be used as part of the treatment regimen to alleviate symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. It can help improve bowel motility and reduce discomfort associated with IBS.
36. Functional Dyspepsia:
Functional dyspepsia is a condition characterized by chronic or recurrent indigestion without any identifiable cause. Domperidone can be used to manage symptoms of functional dyspepsia, including early satiety, bloating, and upper abdominal pain.
37. Supportive Care in Palliative Medicine:
Domperidone may be prescribed as part of supportive care in palliative medicine to manage gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting in patients with advanced or terminal illnesses. It helps improve comfort and quality of life in these individuals.
38. Diabetic Gastroparesis:
Domperidone can be used in the management of diabetic gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying in individuals with diabetes. It helps improve gastric motility and relieve symptoms like nausea, bloating, and early satiety.
39. Galactagogue:
Domperidone is sometimes prescribed as a galactagogue to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. It can help stimulate the release of prolactin, a hormone that promotes milk production, and support lactation in women experiencing low milk supply.
40. Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting:
In some cases, domperidone may be used as part of an antiemetic regimen to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It can be effective in reducing these symptoms and improving the tolerability of cancer treatment.
41. Prevention of Motion Sickness:
Domperidone can be used as a preventive measure against motion sickness. By reducing the sensitivity of the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, it helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness during travel or other motion-related activities.
42. Management of Refractory Hiccups:
For individuals experiencing persistent or refractory hiccups that do not respond to conventional treatments, domperidone may be considered as an option. It can help regulate the spasms of the diaphragm muscle and provide relief from troublesome hiccups.
