Vomistop (Domperidone 10mg)

Vomistop General Information

What is Vomistop used for?

Vomistop 10 is used to treat nausea and vomiting and help relieve symptoms like bloating, fullness, heartburn and flatulence that cause discomfort when the digestive system is out of rhythm or you have eaten too much. Vomistop 10 can also be used to relieve symptoms of nausea caused by some medications, such as anti-cancer drugs and medications used for Parkinson’s disease. Another use for Vomistop is to increase breast milk production, as a side effect of its intended use.

How does Vomistop work?

Vomistop 10 contains domperidone, a dopamine antagonist that acts as an antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting) and as a gastrokinetic (stimulates gastrointestinal mobility). Nausea and vomiting are triggered when the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain is stimulated, and this causes nerve impulses to be sent to area postrema or vomiting centre of the brain, to induce the vomiting reflex. The CTZ can be activated by two mechanisms; either indirectly by transmission of nerve impulses sent to the brain from the stomach when it has been irritated, or directly by chemicals or drugs that are circulating in the blood and stimulate receptors in the brain. Vomistop 10 works by blocking the action of the chemical messenger dopamine and this stops the transmission of messages from the irritated or upset stomach to the brain, preventing the brain triggering the vomiting response. Vomistop 10 also blocks the same chemical messengers in the upper digestive system. This relieves dysmobility, which is when food processing slows down causing uncomfortable symptoms. Vomistop 10 restores the natural rhythm of muscle contraction and relaxation in the stomach, which helps push food through the digestive system and prevents vomiting.

What does Vomistop contain?

Vomistop tablets 10mg contain the active ingredient domperidone, an antiemetic used to relieve nausea and vomiting.
Inactive ingredients: lactose, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised potato starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, and purified water.

Treating nausea and vomiting with Vomistop

Vomistop tablets 10mg contain domperidone, a dopamine antagonist that is used as antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by a variety of conditions, including, gastrointestinal disorders or medication such as anti-cancer drugs. Vomistop 10 works by blocking the action of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain and in the upper intestine, and this prevents vomiting and restores the natural rhythm of the digestive system. The action of Vomistop 10 helps relieve symptoms of digestive problems including bloating, fullness, heartburn, regurgitation of bile, abdominal pain and flatulence, which can happen when the digestive system is out of rhythm and cause discomfort.

How does Vomistop help with breastfeeding?

If you are having trouble producing enough breast milk you can use Vomistop to help with breastfeeding. Domperidone 10mg, the active ingredient of Vomistop, increases blood levels of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production in a new mother’s breast cells. This is an indirect result of blocking the chemical messenger dopamine, which is also how Vomistop prevents nausea and vomiting. Vomistop does pass from the blood into breast milk, however, it is present in small amounts and there is no indication that it will harm the baby. Vomistop has fewer side effects than metoclopramide, which is another medication used for stomach problems that also stimulates milk production.

Vomistop for increasing breast milk production

Vomistop can be used to increase breast milk production as it has been found to increase blood levels of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production in a new mother’s breast cells. This is an indirect result of blocking the chemical messenger dopamine, which is also how Vomistop prevents nausea and vomiting. Vomistop 10 does pass from the blood into your breast milk, however, it is present in small amounts and there is no indication that it will harm the baby. Vomistop has fewer side effects than metoclopramide, which is another medication used for stomach problems that also stimulates milk production.

What are the side effects of Vomistop?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Vomistop 10 include: headache, abdominal cramps and dry mouth. Because Vomistop does not cross the blood brain barrier it does not cause what are known as extrapyramidal side effects, like convulsion and involuntary muscle actions that can be associated with some dopamine blocking medications. However, for the same reason Vomistop can increase the production of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates breast milk secretion, and this can cause breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) and temporary stoppage of periods (amenorrhoea). These side effects will stop as soon as you stop taking Vomistop.

When should Vomistop not be used?

You should not use Vomistop 10 if you:

• are allergic to to domperidone or any of the other components in Vomistop 10
• have an intolerance to lactose, a lactose malabsorption or a genetic disorder leading to accumulation of galactose in the blood (galactosaemia), as lactose is used to coat the tablets
• have a condition where increasing gut motility could be harmful, such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage, mechanical obstruction or a perforation
• have a kidney or liver condition than causes impairment of renal or hepatic function
• have a pituitary tumour that causes over-production of prolactin (prolactinoma)
• are taking another medication that may interact with Vomistop and prevent one or both drugs working effectively, such as the antifungals ketoconazole, fluconazole or voriconazole, antibiotics containing erythromycin, clarithromycin or telithromycin; amiodarone for rapid heart beat.

How should Vomistop be taken?

You should take Vomistop tablets 10mg swallowed whole with a glass of water 15 to 30 minutes before meals. If you are over 16, you can take a tablet three times a day and at bedtime, if necessary.
To increase breastmilk the usual dosage recommended by lactation consultants is up to TWO tablets FOUR times a day.
The dose you take and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.

How long should you take Vomistop?

You should continue to take Vomistop 10 for as long as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Vomistop

If you miss a dose of Vomistop 10, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Vomistop be stored?

You should store your Vomistop tablets 10mg below 30°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.