Vildapride Timing with Meals
Direct Recommendation
Vildapride (domperidone) should be taken approximately 30 minutes before lunch (and other meals), not after. 1
Rationale for Pre-Meal Administration
The pre-meal timing is critical for several pharmacological and clinical reasons:
Prokinetic agents like domperidone work by enhancing gastric antral contractility and preparing the digestive system for food intake, making pre-meal administration essential for optimal efficacy 1
The medication should be taken 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime to maximize its effectiveness as both an antiemetic and prokinetic agent 1
This timing allows the drug to reach therapeutic levels before food enters the stomach, optimizing its ability to coordinate gastrointestinal motility 2
Specific Dosing Schedule
For optimal therapeutic effect:
- Take the tablet 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner 1
- If a bedtime dose is prescribed, take it 30 minutes before any evening snack 1
- This consistent pre-meal timing applies to all doses throughout the day 2
Clinical Evidence Supporting Pre-Meal Timing
Clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend the 30-minute pre-meal timing to avoid food interactions and maximize drug absorption 1
Antimotility agents and prokinetics used in gastrointestinal disorders are most effective when administered approximately 30 minutes before meals 2
Important Caveats
Common pitfalls to avoid:
Do not take domperidone with or after meals, as this reduces its prokinetic efficacy and may interfere with absorption 1
Monitor for QT prolongation with long-term use, as domperidone carries cardiac safety concerns requiring periodic ECG monitoring 2
Be aware of extrapyramidal side effects, though these are less common with domperidone compared to metoclopramide 2
The medication should not be used long-term without medical supervision due to potential cardiac and hormonal side effects 2