INTRODUCTION

GASTRACTIV TABLET contains Domperidone which belongs to the group of medicines called Dopamine antagonists. It is used in the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with central or local origin, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, drugs or migraine.

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 TABLET can also be used for relief of postprandial symptoms of fullness, nausea, epigastric bloating and belching (burping) that is occasionally accompanied by stomach discomfort and heartburn.

GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET should be used with caution in patients having kidney diseases.

GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 it. GASTRACTIV TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (above 60 years of age).

GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET includes a dry mouth. Consult with your doctor if this worsens or doesn’t improve.

USES OF GASTRACTIV TABLET

Prevents nausea and vomiting associated with:

• central or local origin
• chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• drugs
• migraine

Relieves:

• postprandial symptoms of fullness, nausea, epigastric bloating and belching (burping) that is occasionally accompanied by stomach discomfort and heartburn

HOW GASTRACTIV TABLET WORKS

GASTRACTIV TABLET is has an anti-emetic property which acts by blocking a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine, that transfers information through nerve endings. GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET as advised by your physician. It can be taken before meals.

For Tablet, Capsule: Swallow GASTRACTIV TABLET with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

For Dispersible Tablet: Disperse GASTRACTIV TABLET in the specified quantity of water as mentioned on the label. Consume the mixture immediately after reconstitution.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Continue to take GASTRACTIV TABLET for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GASTRACTIV TABLET

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 the itching worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

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

BREASTFEEDING

GASTRACTIV TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through breast milk. GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

GASTRACTIV TABLET does not affect the ability to drive or use machines. Yet do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking GASTRACTIV TABLET.

KIDNEY

GASTRACTIV TABLET 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.

ALLERGY

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

HEART DISEASE

GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking GASTRACTIV TABLET, 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 GASTRACTIV TABLET, 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 TABLET out of reach of children
• Store GASTRACTIV TABLET at room temperature below 30°C

FAQs ABOUT GASTRACTIV TABLET

What is GASTRACTIV TABLET and why is it prescribed?

GASTRACTIV TABLET contains Domperidone which belongs to the group of medicines called Dopamine antagonists. It is used in the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with central or local origin, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, drugs or migraine. GASTRACTIV TABLET can also be used in relief of postprandial symptoms of fullness, nausea, epigastric bloating and belching (burping) that is occasionally accompanied by stomach discomfort and heartburn.

How long can I take GASTRACTIV TABLET?

It is recommended that GASTRACTIV TABLET be taken for the shortest period and at the lowest dose. This is because GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET with antibiotics?

Use of GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET.

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET increase milk secretion?

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

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET cause heart problems?

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

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET cause dry mouth?

Yes, GASTRACTIV TABLET can cause dry mouth. A 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 TABLET?

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

REFERENCES

What is GASTRACTIV TABLET and why is it prescribed?

GASTRACTIV TABLET contains Domperidone which belongs to the group of medicines called Dopamine antagonists. It is used in the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with central or local origin, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, drugs or migraine. GASTRACTIV TABLET can also be used in relief of postprandial symptoms of fullness, nausea, epigastric bloating and belching (burping) that is occasionally accompanied by stomach discomfort and heartburn.

How long can I take GASTRACTIV TABLET?

It is recommended that GASTRACTIV TABLET be taken for the shortest period and at the lowest dose. This is because GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET with antibiotics?

Use of GASTRACTIV TABLET 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 TABLET.

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET increase milk secretion?

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

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET cause heart problems?

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

Does GASTRACTIV TABLET cause dry mouth?

Yes, GASTRACTIV TABLET can cause dry mouth. A 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 TABLET?

It is recommended to take GASTRACTIV TABLET before meals. If taken after meals, absorption of the medicine is somewhat delayed. Patients should try to take each dose of GASTRACTIV TABLET 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. S.C. Zentiva S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). [Revised in April 2021] [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4177.pdf

6. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Domstal DT (Domperidone). [Revised in February 2022]. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/3082.pdf

7. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Domstal (Domperidone). [Revised in April 2022]. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/1623.pdf

8. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Domstal OD (Domperidone). [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/408.pdf

9. Janssen-Cilag (New Zealand) Ltd. Medsafe. [Revised in November 2020]. [Accessed on 3rd November 2022] https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/m/motiliumtab.pdf

10. Morepen Laboratories Ltd. DOM DT 20mg, DOM DT 5mg [Accessed on 03rd November 2022] https://www.morepen.com/medicus/antibiotics

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Whole Abdomen Ultrasound

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Dr. Priyanka Goel, BDS
Last updated on 10 Nov 2022 | 04:39 PM(IST)