Brand name: GASTRACTIV (Domperidone)
Brand Name: Apo-GASTRACTIV (Domperidone),Novo-GASTRACTIV (Domperidone), Nu-GASTRACTIV (Domperidone), PMS-GASTRACTIV (Domperidone), ratio-GASTRACTIV (Domperidone)
Prescription Needed: Yes
What is this drug used for?

GASTRACTIV (Domperidone) is primarily used (alone or in combination with other medications) to relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, bloating, and feeling full early from eating, which can be caused by various conditions or medications. These include: chemotherapy, stomach infections, radiation treatments, migraines, anorexia nervosa and diabetic gastroparesis.

GASTRACTIV (Domperidone) can also be used in people taking levodopa for Parkinson’s Disease to decrease the side effects of nausea, vomiting and low blood pressure on standing (postural hypotension). As well, it can be used in women to help with breastfeeding.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to GASTRACTIV (Domperidone). Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

* stomach bleeding
* Parkinson’s Disease
* problems with your liver

What about possible side effects?

This medication is generally well tolerated. The following side effects, if they occur, usually only impact approximately 1% of people who take this medication. These include:

* breast enlargement or tenderness
* breast milk secretion
* headache
* dry mouth
* hot flashes
* changes in menstrual cycle

Other side effects that occur rarely include:

* rash, itching
* Parkinson symptoms (e.g. shaking hands, feeling off balance, trouble walking, feeling stiff); different movements of the mouth, tongue, jaw, or eyes - these side effects are extremely rare and have only occurred in a few reports, where people were using more than the recommended dose, or in infants

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug.

Other information

Children: Only used in certain situations. Lower doses are required. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Although lower doses may be necessary, this is not always the case as this medication is generally well tolerated.

Pregnancy: Has been used and is likely safe. Should talk to doctor first.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Typically considered safe and is used to help with breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally.

Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided when experiencing either nausea or vomiting. If you drink, always drink in moderation.Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: This drug can be safely stopped when you no longer require it.

If you miss a dose: Take it when you remember. However, if your next dose is within two hours, don’t take the missed dose. Instead, wait and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions:

Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None