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Domperidone to Treat Symptoms of Gastroparesis: Benefits and Side Effects from a Large Single-Center Cohort

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Abstract

Background

There is increased awareness about risks and benefits of using domperidone to treat gastroparesis.

Aim

To describe the outcome of treating patients with refractory gastroparesis symptoms with domperidone.

Methods

Domperidone 10 mg QID or TID was prescribed to patients with refractory gastroparesis symptoms; follow-up obtained at 2–3 months assessing symptoms and side effects. Patients filled out Patient Assessment of Upper GI Symptoms prior to treatment and at follow-up along with Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS, +7 = completely better; 0 = no change).

Results

Of 125 patients initially prescribed domperidone, 7 did not take this medication and 3 were lost to follow-up. Of the 115 known patients treated with domperidone, 88 had idiopathic, 16 diabetic, and 9 postsurgical gastroparesis. Side effects were reported by 44 patients (most common—headache, tachycardia/palpitations, diarrhea); 14 patients stopped treatment. Hundred and one patients were seen at follow-up taking domperidone (2.4 ± 2.7 months, average dose 36 ± 13 mg/day). CPGAS averaged 2.7 ± 2.7 (p < 0.01) with 69 patients reporting symptom improvement and 45 patients at least moderately improved with CPGAS ≥ 4. Improvements were seen in most symptoms, especially postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach fullness.

Conclusions

In this large single-center study of patients treated with domperidone, side effects necessitating discontinuing treatment occurred in 12 %. The majority of patients remaining on treatment experienced an improvement in symptoms of gastroparesis, particularly postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach fullness. Thus, domperidone treatment is beneficial for many patients with symptoms of gastroparesis. This study provides needed benefit and risk information concerning treating patients with domperidone. FDA IND Number: 71,089.

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Authors’ contributions

Ron Schey, MD: study concept and design; interpretation of data critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. Mohammed Saadi, MD: data collection; revision of manuscript for important intellectual content. Deena Midani, MD: data collection; revision of manuscript for important intellectual content. Aaron C. Roberts, BA: data collection; revision of manuscript for important intellectual content. Rahul Parupalli, MD: data collection; revision of manuscript for important intellectual content. Henry P. Parkman, MD: study concept and design; study supervision; analysis and interpretation of data; and drafting and revising of manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Parkinson Pavilion, 8th Floor, 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA

    Ron Schey, Mohammed Saadi, Deena Midani, Aaron C. Roberts, Rahul Parupalli & Henry P. Parkman

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  1. Ron Schey
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  2. Mohammed Saadi
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Correspondence to Henry P. Parkman.

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Schey, R., Saadi, M., Midani, D. et al. Domperidone to Treat Symptoms of Gastroparesis: Benefits and Side Effects from a Large Single-Center Cohort. Dig Dis Sci 61, 3545–3551 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-016-4272-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-016-4272-5

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