Abstract

Domperidone (Motilium - Janssen), like metoclopramide (Maxolon, Primperan),¹ is a dopamine receptor antagonist. The anti-emetic properties of both drugs are due to two actions: a central one on the chemoreceptor trigger zone (which is functionally outside the blood-brain barrier) and a peripheral action on gastro-intestinal motility and on the lower oesophageal sphincter. The manufacturer claims that as domperidone does not penetrate to the basal ganglia it causes fewer dystonic reactions than metoclopramide. A detailed review has been published.²