Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Teva Domperidone.
Heart rhythm problems and cardiac arrest: Recent studies have shown that the risk of serious abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrest (sudden death) may be higher in people who take more than 30 mg of domperidone per day, or in people who are over 60 years of age. If you have a heart condition with abnormal electrical activity of your heart (e.g., QT prolongation), heart failure, or low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, discuss with your doctor how Teva Domperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Domperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
This is especially important if you are taking other medications that can change the electrical activity of the heart or increase the amount of domperidone in your blood. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, Ondansetron, probucol, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with domperidone if possible. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
Hormone levels: Teva Domperidone may increase prolactin, a hormone in the body. If you have a history of Breast Cancer, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with using Teva Domperidone, since some breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent.
Kidney function: Reduced kidney function may cause Teva Domperidone to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Teva Domperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Domperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may suggest a lower dose or that you take Teva Domperidone only once or twice a day.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Teva Domperidone to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Teva Domperidone may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Teva Domperidone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Teva Domperidone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Teva Domperidone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Teva Domperidone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking domperidone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Teva Domperidone have not been established for children.
Seniors: People over the age of 60 appear to be more likely to experience heart problems including Heart Attack with the use of domperidone. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Teva Domperidone.
