A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
MOTILIUM is indicated for:
- Delayed gastric emptying of functional origin with gastro-oesophageal reflux and/or dyspepsia.
- Control of nausea and vomiting of central or local origin.
- As an anti-emetic in patients receiving cytostatic and radiation therapy.
- Facilitates radiological examination of the upper gastro-intestinal tract.
Acute conditions (mainly nausea, vomiting, hiccup)
Adults: Two tablets (20 mg) 3 to 4 times per day, 15 to 30 minutes before meals and, if necessary, before retiring.
Children 5 to 12 years old: One tablet (10 mg) 3 to 4 times per day, 15 to 30 minutes before meals and, if necessary, before retiring.
Allergic reactions, such as rash or urticaria, have been reported.
Abdominal cramps have been reported.
Dystonic reactions (extrapyramidal phenomena) may occur.
Reversible raised serum prolactin levels have been observed which may lead to galactorrhoea and gynaecomastia.
Hypertensive crises in patients with phaeochromocytoma may occur with administration of domperidone.
Where the blood brain barrier is not fully developed (mainly in young babies) or is impaired, the possible occurrence of neurological side-effects cannot be totally excluded.
Special precautions
Since domperidone is highly metabolised in the liver, MOTILIUM should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment (and in the elderly).