Domperidone+rabeprazole
About
Domperidone+rabeprazole is a gastrointestinal medicine composed of Rabeprazole (stomach acid reducer) and Domperidone (nausea/vomiting reducer). Together they reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes and decrease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It treats symptoms of acid reflux due to hyperacidity, stomach ulcer (Peptic ulcer disease), and Zollinger Ellison syndrome (overproduction of acid due to a pancreatic tumour). Besides this, it is used short-term to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. GERD is a condition in which the sphincter (valve) located at the uppermost part of the stomach gets irritated and damaged due to excessive stomach acid production. As a result, the stomach acid and juice flow back into the food pipe, leading to stomach upset and heartburn. Heartburn is the post-effect of acid reflux with a burning-like feeling that rises from the stomach towards the neck.
Domperidone+rabeprazole contains two medicines, namely Rabeprazole and Domperidone. Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that helps reduce stomach acid by blocking the actions of an enzyme (H+/K+ ATPase or gastric proton pump). This gastric proton pump lies in the cells of the stomach wall. It is responsible for releasing gastric acid secretion and damaging tissues in the food pipe, stomach, and duodenum (uppermost part of the small intestine). On the other hand, Domperidone is a prokinetic agent that increases the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract and blocks the vomiting-inducing centre (chemoreceptor trigger zone-CTZ).
It is better to take Domperidone+rabeprazole an hour before a meal or without a meal for its best results. Domperidone+rabeprazole should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early, your symptoms may come back, and your condition may worsen. An adult taking Domperidone+rabeprazole might have common side effects like headache, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, flatulence, dizziness, and arthralgia (joint pain). In the case of children taking Domperidone+rabeprazole might report upper respiratory tract infections (URI), headache, fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, and abdominal pain. These side effects are temporary and may resolve after some time; however, if this persists, contact the doctor.
You can increase the efficacy of Domperidone+rabeprazole by taking a small meal or snacks frequently. Avoid caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea), spicy/deep-fried/processed foods, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods like citrus fruits/vegetables (tomatoes). Tell your doctor if you have stomach or intestinal cancer, liver problem, are allergic to Domperidone+rabeprazole or will have an endoscopy in the future. Prolonged intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole may cause deficiency of Vitamin B-12 and low levels of calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D leading to osteoporosis (brittle or weak bones).
Uses of Domperidone+rabeprazole
Medicinal Benefits
Domperidone+rabeprazole helps in reducing the excess amount of stomach. In turn, it prevents the formation of an ulcer in the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer), gastro-esophagal reflux disease (GERD) with or without ulcer and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, in which the stomach makes exceptionally high amounts of acid. Besides, the Domperidone+rabeprazole also treats symptoms of nausea and vomiting in adults and children over 12 years of age (with at least 35 kg or more).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Domperidone+rabeprazole
- Rash
- Brittle bones
- Low vitamin B-12
- Loss of libido (sexual desire)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Flatulence (gas formation)
- Back pain
- Weakness or loss of strength
- Sleeplessness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Benign polyps in the stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
You should avoid taking Domperidone+rabeprazole if you are allergic to Domperidone+rabeprazole or proton pump inhibitors, have gastric cancer, liver disease, low magnesium level (osteoporosis), low vitamin B12, are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, and breastfeeding mothers. Domperidone+rabeprazole may interact with a blood thinner (warfarin), antifungal (ketoconazole), anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, nelfinavir), iron supplements, ampicillin antibiotic, anti-cancer drug (methotrexate). Let your doctor know if you are taking these medicines. Prolonged intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole may cause lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks its tissues), Vitamin B-12, and magnesium deficiency. Intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole may mask the symptom of gastric cancer, so if you have any severe stomach pain or gastric bleeding (blood in mucous or stool), immediately consult the doctor. Tell your doctor that you are using before having a specific blood test known as Chromogranin A.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Domperidone+rabeprazole may interact with a blood thinner (clopidogrel, warfarin), antifungal (ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole), anti-HIV drug (atazanavir, amprenavir, nelfinavir), antacid (magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, cimetidine), iron supplements, antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, ampicillin, rifampicin), heart medicine (atropine, digoxin, amiodarone), blood pressure-lowering medicines (diltiazem), anti-cancer drug (methotrexate) and anti-nausea pills (aprepitant).
Drug-Food Interactions: Domperidone+rabeprazole interacts with St John's wort plant that is used as an anti-depressant. This plant may affect the working of Domperidone+rabeprazole. So avoid its intake with Domperidone+rabeprazole.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Domperidone+rabeprazole should not be given in patients with C. difficile-induced colitis, liver disease, bone fractures, low Vitamin B12 (anaemia), and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionDrinking alcohol with Domperidone+rabeprazole may cause dehydration and elevate the level of stomach acid, thereby decreasing its efficiency. So try to avoid, limit alcohol or contact a doctor before intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether the Domperidone+rabeprazole affects the baby or not. So, contact a doctor before intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Breast Feeding
cautionDomperidone present in Domperidone+rabeprazole passes into the breast milk. However, no evidence of risk has been reported. Please consult your doctor before intake of Domperidone+rabeprazole. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Domperidone+rabeprazole may cause dizziness, sleepy, or blur vision. If you observe these symptoms do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you feel better.
Liver
cautionIf u have or had history or evidence of any liver-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf u have or had history or evidence of any kidney-related diseases, please consult the doctor before taking medicine.
Children
cautionDomperidone+rabeprazole is not recommended for use in children due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy. Please consult your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid intake of acid or heartburn-triggering foods or drinks like onions, peppermint, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes and high-fat and spicy foods.
- Avoid taking alcohol and smoking cigarette. Alcohol can raise the level of production of stomach acid leading to heartburn and acid reflux. On the other hand, nicotine smoking damages the valve (sphincter), preventing stomach acid backflow into the food pipe.
- Avoid regular sitting continuously, as it can increase stomach acid production. Try to take a break of 5 minutes in 1 hour by brisk walking or stretching.
- Before going to sleep, try to raise your bedhead so that your head and chest are higher than your feet. Do not use piles of pillows, instead, one raised block is fine. This will not allow the stomach acid to backflow through your food pipe.
- Include high fibre containing foods, berries, cherries, leafy green veggies (kale, spinach) and black peppers in your meal. These foods are full of antioxidants, calcium and vitamin B 12 that can help cope with the long-term effects of the medicine. Fermented dairy products like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics which help in the prevention of excess stomach acid production. Cranberry juice can be beneficial in the peptic ulcer and H Pylori infection.
Special Advise
- Do not take Domperidone+rabeprazole for more than four weeks of duration without consulting the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Usually, a thick layer of mucous usually protects the stomach against its acid secretion. But, in the long run, it gets eroded by excessive stomach acid production leading to complications like GERD, peptic ulcer, and Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastrointestinal problem that occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the food pipe (oesophagus). This backflow (acid reflux) irritates the food pipe that causes heartburn. On the other hand, a peptic ulcer is a painful condition followed by the development of sores or ulcers in the stomach lining or duodenum (first part of the small intestine) (the duodenum). Zollinger Ellison syndrome is a rare condition in which a gastrin-secreting pancreas tumour causes excessive acid production leading to peptic ulcers.
FAQs
No. Domperidone+rabeprazole prevents excess production of stomach acid causing acid reflux and heartburn. If blood is coming in your stool or mucous immediately contact the doctor.
Yes, Domperidone+rabeprazole can cause dry mouth and it is due to domperidone. In case you fell excessive thirsty, please increase your fluid intake and do frequent mouth rinses.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Domperidone+rabeprazole. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea or any other discomfort.
Avoid lying down immediately after meals to prevent acid reflux. Raise the head of the bed 10-20cm by putting on a pillow so that the head and chest are above the waist. This helps in preventing acid reflux.
