Motilium (Domperidone)

Brand name: Motilium, Motillium, Motinorm and Costi
Generic name: Domperidone, Domperidone Maleate
Used for: Anti-sickness, helps the stomach to empty more quickly, reduces acid reflux, treats Parkinson’s disease
Availability: Brand Motilium (Janssen-Cilag), generic Domperidone (Usually Novo-Domperidone), 10 mg-standard dosage. Available in tablets, suspension, and suppositories

How Domperidone Works
Domperidone is a very versatile medication that has multiple uses; however, it is primarily used as an anti-sickness medication. The active ingredient Domperidone is a type of drug called a dopamine antagonist that is used to relieve uncomfortable symptoms of stomach bloating, fullness, and reflux in adults. Domperidone helps the stomach to empty more quickly and to reduce reflux (stomach acid coming back up). Domperidone is also used to treat stomach problems caused by other medications. Domperidone is also used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor may prescribe Motilium for other medical purposes that are not listed here.

Generic Domperidone vs Brand Motilium
When comparing Brand Motilium to the generic Domperidone there is no difference chemically or therapeutically. Meaning that they are identical in chemical composition, potency, and both metabolize the same inside the body thus creating the exact same results. The brand and the generic may have a different appearance, ie, may be a different shape, size or colour. The manufacturer is the biggest difference, the brand Domperidone dispensed by Blue Sky Drugs is Janssen-Cilag is tablet form and Winthrop in the suppository or suspension form. The generic will be manufactured by different generic pharmaceutical companies.

Domperidone Possible side effects
The following side effects will go away as your body becomes used to the medication. Be sure to check with your doctor if they persist or become bothersome. Less common side effects include:
• Breast milk flowing from nipple
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Hives
• Hot flashes
• Itching of skin

Rare side effects may include:
• Change in need to urinate
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Tiredness

Domperidone Guidelines
Do not take Motilium or generic Domperidone if you are allergic to Domperidone or any other ingredients in Motilium. Do not take Domperidone if a faster passage of materials through your stomach might be dangerous, i.e. in cases of stomach bleeding, blockage of the stomach or breaks in the stomach lining.

Domperidone Directions
You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Motilium to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Motilium comes in tablet form. You should swallow Motilium whole with a glass of water. Motilium can be taken with or without food. Motilium should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat.

Domperidone may be associated with a small increased risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. A higher risk was observed in patients:
• older than 60 years of age;
• using daily doses greater than 30 mg;
• having predisposing factors for QT prolongation including concomitant use of QT-prolonging drugs or CYP 3A4 inhibitors.
• Domperidone is now contraindicated in patients:
• with prolongation of cardiac conduction intervals, particularly QT;
• with significant electrolyte disturbances;
• with cardiac disease (such as congestive heart failure);
• with moderate or severe liver impairment;
• receiving QT-prolonging drugs and potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Domperidone should be used at the lowest effective dose to a maximum recommended daily dose of 30 mg and for the shortest possible duration.