From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of domperidone syrup for children is typically 0.25-0.5 mg/kg of body weight, given three to four times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 2.4 mg/kg or 80 mg per day, whichever is less. For infants and young children, the dose should be calculated carefully based on weight, while older children may receive weight-appropriate doses up to the adult maximum. The medication should be administered 15-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime if needed. Treatment duration should generally be limited to one week, with extension only under medical supervision. Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gut and chemoreceptor trigger zone, which increases gut motility and reduces nausea and vomiting. Parents should measure doses using the provided measuring device, not household spoons, and should be aware of potential side effects including headache, stomach cramps, and rarely, cardiac effects. Children with liver disease, certain heart conditions, or those taking medications that interact with domperidone should use this medication with caution or avoid it altogether 1.
Some key points to consider when administering domperidone syrup to children include:
- Calculating the dose carefully based on the child's weight
- Administering the medication 15-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime if needed
- Limiting treatment duration to one week, with extension only under medical supervision
- Monitoring for potential side effects, including headache, stomach cramps, and cardiac effects
- Using the provided measuring device to measure doses, rather than household spoons.
It's also important to note that the evidence provided does not specifically address the use of domperidone syrup in children, and the recommended dose may vary depending on the specific clinical context and the child's individual needs. However, based on the available evidence, the recommended dose of 0.25-0.5 mg/kg of body weight, given three to four times daily, is a reasonable guideline to follow 1.
In terms of potential interactions and contraindications, children with liver disease, certain heart conditions, or those taking medications that interact with domperidone should use this medication with caution or avoid it altogether 1. Additionally, parents should be aware of the potential for cardiac effects, including QT prolongation, and monitor their child closely for any signs of cardiac problems 1.
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Domperidone Syrup for Children
The recommended dose of domperidone syrup for children varies depending on the study and the condition being treated.
- For symptomatic treatment of vomiting during acute gastroenteritis, a dose of 0.5 mg/kg of body weight is used 2.
- For control of nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, the optimum dose appears to be 0.7 mg/kg per dose 3.
- For chronic paediatric vomiting and regurgitation, a dose of 0.3 mg/kg given three times a day before meals is used 4.
- For acute gastroenteritis associated vomiting in young children, a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight is used 5.
Administration and Efficacy
Domperidone syrup is effective in controlling symptoms of vomiting and regurgitation in children, and its efficacy has been compared to other antiemetic drugs such as ondansetron and metoclopramide 2, 4, 5.
- Domperidone was found to be significantly more effective than placebo in controlling symptoms of chronic vomiting and regurgitation 4.
- Domperidone was also found to be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy 3.
- However, ondansetron was found to be more efficacious than domperidone in cessation of vomiting associated with acute gastroenteritis in children 5.