Domperidone marketed under the trade name Motilium, among others, is a peripherally selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica and used as an antiemetic, gastroprokinetic and galactagogue agent. It can be administered orally or rectally and is available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (based on Zydis technology), suspension and suppositories. The medication is used to relieve nausea and vomiting; To increase the transit of food through the stomach (increasing gastrointestinal peristalsis); And to promote breastfeeding (production of breast milk) by releasing prolactin.
Uses or indications of domperidone vary among nations. For example, in Italy it is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and in Canada the drug is indicated in disorders of upper gastrointestinal motility and to prevent gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the use of dopaminergic agonists antiparkinsonian agents. In the United States, domperidone is not currently a legally marketed human drug and is not approved for sale in the US. On June 7, 2004, the FDA issued a public warning that distribution of any product containing domperidone is illegal. In the United Kingdom, domperidone is only indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting and the duration of treatment is usually limited to 1 week.