INTRODUCTION

GASTRACTIV DROPS contains Domperidone which belongs to the group of medicines called Dopamine antagonists. It is used to treat nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).

Nausea and vomiting are not a disease but symptoms of different conditions such as infections, food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating, blocked intestine, migraine, indigestion and many more.

GASTRACTIV DROPS is not recommended for use in patients having heart or moderate to severe liver diseases, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, blockage or tear in your intestines, and tumors in the pituitary gland (prolactinoma). GASTRACTIV DROPS should be used with caution in patients having kidney diseases.

GASTRACTIV DROPS should be used with caution in pregnant women and should be used in breastfeeding women only if considered clearly necessary by the doctor. Ask for your doctor’s advice before taking. GASTRACTIV DROPS should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 60 years of age).

GASTRACTIV DROPS should not be used in children below 12 years or weighing less than 35kgs. Consult with your child’s doctor. The common side effect of taking GASTRACTIV DROPS includes dry mouth. Consult with your doctor if this worsens or doesn’t improve.

USES OF GASTRACTIV DROPS

• treats nausea and vomiting

HOW GASTRACTIV DROPS WORKS

GASTRACTIV DROPS has an anti-emetic property which acts by blocking a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine, that transfers information through nerve endings. GASTRACTIV DROPS functions by inhibiting the muscle contraction that occurs naturally in the digestive system and enhances the peristaltic movement in the food pipe which helps in facilitating the digestion time faster, this causes calming down effect, thereby relieving nausea or vomiting sensation.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take GASTRACTIV DROPS as advised by your physician. Shake well before use. Your doctor will decide the appropriate dose and duration of GASTRACTIV DROPS for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GASTRACTIV DROPS

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Dry mouth:

Dry mouth can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. Sip water at regular intervals of time. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Consult your physician for advice.

Diarrhoea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. Ask for your doctor’s advice if diarrhoea doesn’t improve.

Headache:

Try to take rest and don’t involve yourself in exertive activities. Rest in a quiet and dark room. Apply a pain-relieving balm on your forehead. Ask for your doctor’s advice if the headache doesn’t improve

Drowsiness:

Take adequate sleep. Do not involve in rigorous activities. Do not interfere with your sleep cycle. Talk to your doctor if the drowsiness doesn’t improve.

Itchy skin:

Hot water makes your skin irritated, so avoid taking hot showers. Do not scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. To soothe and hydrate the irritated skin, apply moisturizers. Contact your doctor if itching worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

GASTRACTIV DROPS should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

BREASTFEEDING

GASTRACTIV DROPS is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through breast milk. GASTRACTIV DROPS may cause unwanted side effects affecting the heart in a breastfed baby. It should only be used only if considered clearly necessary by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking GASTRACTIV DROPS.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

GASTRACTIV DROPS does not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

KIDNEY

GASTRACTIV DROPS should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems such as kidney impairment or kidney failure. Your doctor might consider adjusting your dose. Consult your doctor before taking it.

LIVER

GASTRACTIV DROPS is not recommended for use in patients having moderate to severe liver diseases such as liver function impairment or liver failure. Consult your doctor before taking it.

ALLERGY

Do not take GASTRACTIV DROPS if you are allergic to Domperidone or any other ingredients present in it.

HEART DISEASE

GASTRACTIV DROPS is not recommended in patients suffering from heart problems such as prolonged QT corrected interval (reading in eco cardiogram (ECG) machine) or heart failure (heart cannot pump blood properly). Kindly consult a doctor before taking GASTRACTIV DROPS.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking GASTRACTIV DROPS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines to treat fungal infections (Ex. ketoconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole)
• medicines to treat bacterial infections (Ex. erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine)
• medicine to treat heart problems or high blood pressure (Ex. amiodarone, dronedarone, quinidine, disopyramide, bepridil, dofetilide, sotalol, diltiazem, verapamil)
• medicines to treat psychoses (Ex. haloperidol, pimozide, sertindole), medicine to treat depression (Ex. citalopram, escitalopram)
• medicines to treat gastrointestinal disorders (such as cisapride, diphemanil, dolasetron, prucalopride)
• medicines to treat allergies (Ex. mequitazine, mizolastine)
• medicine to treat malaria (specifically halofantrine)
• medicines to treat AIDS/HIV (Ex. ritonavir, atazanavir)
• medicine to treat cancer (Ex. toremifene, vandetanib, vincamine)
• medicine used to treat drug addiction (Ex. methadone)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took too much of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately. The symptoms might include feeling sleepy, confused, uncontrolled movements of the eye and tongue and abnormal posture (like a twisted neck).

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep GASTRACTIV DROPS out of reach of children
• Store GASTRACTIV DROPS at room temperature below 30°C

FAQs ABOUT GASTRACTIV DROPS

What is GASTRACTIV DROPS and why is it prescribed?

GASTRACTIV DROPS contains Domperidone which belongs to the group of medicines called Dopamine antagonists. It is used in treating nausea and vomiting.

How long can I take GASTRACTIV DROPS?

It is recommended that GASTRACTIV DROPS be taken for the shortest period and at the lowest dose. This is because GASTRACTIV DROPS can cause an irregular heartbeat when taken for a longer period or at a high dose. Ask for your doctor’s advice.

Can I take GASTRACTIV DROPS with antibiotics?

Use of GASTRACTIV DROPS with antibiotics like erythromycin, levofloxacin, and some antifungals is not recommended as this can cause interaction. Please consult your doctor for advice before using any antibiotics with GASTRACTIV DROPS.

Does GASTRACTIV DROPS increase milk secretion?

Yes, GASTRACTIV DROPS can increase milk secretion also known as galactorrhoea. This is an uncommon side effect of using GASTRACTIV DROPS. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing this side effect while taking this medicine.

Does GASTRACTIV DROPS cause heart problems?

GASTRACTIV DROPS may be associated with an increased risk of heart problems (like an irregular heartbeat) and heart attacks. The risk also increases when GASTRACTIV DROPS is given together with other medicines.  Inform the doctor of your medication history when taking GASTRACTIV DROPS.

Does GASTRACTIV DROPS cause dry mouth?

Yes, GASTRACTIV DROPS can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies to stimulate the flow of saliva. Sip water at regular intervals of time. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can be drying. Consult your physician for advice.

What is the best time to take GASTRACTIV DROPS?

It is recommended to take GASTRACTIV DROPS before meals. If taken after meals, absorption of the medicine is somewhat delayed. Patients should try to take each dose of GASTRACTIV DROPS at a scheduled time to avoid missing a dose.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi. Antiemetics. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page - 414.

2. Rhew K, Han N, Oh JM. Impact of Safety Warning on Domperidone Prescribing for Geriatric Patients in South Korea: Analysis of National Insurance Claim Data. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed Central. August 2019. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6719182/

3. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubchem. Domperidone. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Domperidone

4. Savio C Reddymasu, Irfan Soykan, Richard W McCallum. Domperidone: review of pharmacology and clinical applications in gastroenterology. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information. Pubmed.gov. September 2007. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17488253/

5. Sofarimex - Industria Quimica e Farmacêutica Lda. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 03rd November 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3188.pdf                                                          

6. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Domstal Baby (Domperidone). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2518.pdf

7. Medley Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Motinorm drops (Domperidone). [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.medleylab.com/product/suprakare/anti-emetic.html

8. Torque Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Peridon Drops (Domperidone). [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.torquepharma.com/peridon-drops/

9. Aristo Pharma Ltd. Apuldon (Domperidone). [Accessed on 3rd November 2022]. https://aristopharma.com/upload/product_pdf/1649581141.pdf

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. Priyanka Goel, BDS
Last updated on 11 Nov 2022 | 05:17 PM(IST)