Domperidone Dosage for a 9kg Patient
For a 9kg patient, the appropriate dosage of domperidone (5mg/5ml syrup) at 0.3 mg/kg every 8 hours is 2.7mg (2.7ml) every 8 hours.
Dosage Calculation
- The prescribed dose is 0.3 mg/kg every 8 hours 1
- For a 9kg child: 0.3 mg/kg × 9kg = 2.7mg per dose 1
- With a 5mg/5ml concentration: 2.7mg ÷ (5mg/5ml) = 2.7ml per dose 1
Administration Considerations
- Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine-2 receptor antagonist that acts as both an antiemetic and a prokinetic agent 2
- Unlike metoclopramide, domperidone has minimal penetration through the blood-brain barrier, resulting in fewer neurological side effects 2, 3
- The medication should be administered orally every 8 hours as prescribed 1
Safety Considerations
- Domperidone should be used with caution due to potential cardiac effects 4
- The safety ratio for domperidone is relatively low (5.25), which is below the minimum recommended safety ratio of 30 4
- Monitor for potential side effects including:
Pediatric Considerations
- Pediatric dosing requires careful calculation based on weight to minimize risk of adverse effects 1
- Ensure accurate measurement using an appropriate oral syringe or measuring device 1
- The total daily dose for this patient would be 8.1mg (2.7mg × 3 doses) 1
Clinical Applications
- Domperidone is used for gastrointestinal motility disorders, gastroparesis, and as an antiemetic 2, 6
- It provides symptomatic relief for conditions including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort 5
- Due to its peripheral action, it has fewer central nervous system side effects compared to other antiemetics like metoclopramide 3, 5