Domperidone-associated Ventricular Arrhythmia and Sudden Cardiac Death: A Descriptive Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Domperidone is an antiemetic and prokinetic agent that is widely used to treat nausea and vomiting, gastroparesis, and as a galactagogue. Objective: This review article focuses on QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, severe ventricular arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death associated with the use of domperidone or domperidone-containing products. Methods: The online databases, such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and reference lists, were searched using keywords like Domperidone, Cardiotoxicity, QT prolongation, Cardiac arrhythmia, Torsades de pointes, Ventricular arrhythmia, and Sudden Cardiac Death, to identify published articles relevant to domperidone-associated cardiotoxicity. Results: Domperidone has been linked to an increased risk of QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, severe ventricular arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death, according to a number of epidemiological studies and meta-analyses. Conclusion: Domperidone can only be used to treat nausea and vomiting in patients between the ages of 12 and 60, and a maximum daily dose of 30 mg has been set by a number of regulatory bodies. The risk of severe ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death caused by domperidone should be made clear to clinicians along with the recommendations from regulatory bodies to avoid any potential complications.