Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2025
07:05
Behavioral Disturbances: An Innovative Approach to Monitor the Modulatory Effects of a Nutraceutical Diet
Published on: January 3, 2017
8.9K
Drugs in Focus: Domperidone.
Maria Giovanna Puoti1, Amit Assa2, Marc Benninga3
1From the Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
Summary
Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist, is used off-label for pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders. This review examines its efficacy and safety for these conditions in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Background:
- Domperidone is a dopamine-2 receptor antagonist with prokinetic and antiemetic effects, primarily in the upper GI tract.
- Current approved use is limited to children over 12 for short-term nausea and vomiting relief.
- Off-label use by pediatric gastroenterologists includes gastro-esophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, and gastroparesis.
Approach:
- Systematic review of existing evidence on domperidone's efficacy in pediatric GI disorders.
- Summary of pharmacological properties and safety profile.
- Focus on supporting evidence-based off-label prescribing.
Key Points:
- Efficacy data for domperidone in pediatric GI motility disorders are limited and controversial.
- Understanding efficacy is crucial for informed off-label use.
- The review synthesizes available evidence to guide clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Domperidone's role in treating pediatric GI motility disorders requires further clarification.
- Evidence on efficacy and safety is essential for appropriate off-label prescription.
- This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
427
Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
427
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
227
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
227
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
258
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
258
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
242
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
242
01:22Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives
262
Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This...
262
01:20Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
298
Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
298