Name:  Domperidone

Synonyms:  4-(5-Chloro-2-oxo-1-benzimidazolinyl)-1-[3-(2-oxobenzimidazolinyl)propyl]piperidine

Molecular Structure:  

Molecular Formula:  C₂₂H₂₄ClN₅O₂

Molecular Weight:  425.92

CAS Number:  57808-66-9

EINECS:  260-968-7

 

Domperidone (trade names Motilium, Motillium, Motinorm and Costi) is an antidopaminergic drug, developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica, and used orally, rectally or intravenously, generally to suppress nausea and vomiting. Domperidone has also been used to stimulate lactation. There is some evidence that domperidone has antiemetic activity. Domperidone is used, together with metoclopramide, cyclizine, and 5HT3 receptor antagonists (such as granisetron) in the treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Domperidone can be used in patients with Parkinson's disease because, unlike metoclopramide, domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Domperidone has also been found effective in the treatment of gastroparesis, a stomach motility condition, and for paediatric gastroesophageal reflux (infant vomiting). Domperidone, by acting as an anti-dopaminergic, results in increased prolactin secretion, and thus promotes lactation.

Domperidone blocks the action of dopamine. Domperidone has strong affinities for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, which are found in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, located just outside the blood brain barrier, which - among others - regulates nausea and vomiting.