New contraindication for domperidone in patients with phaeochromocytoma

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a Drug Safety Update (DSU) for domperidone. The product information has been updated for all domperidone products to include a contraindication for patients with confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland) due to the risk of episodes of severe hypertension.

Patients with confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma should stop taking domperidone immediately and be switched to an alternative treatment. Healthcare professionals should also be aware that administration of domperidone can unmask phaeochromocytomas. If a patient taking domperidone has an episode of severe hypertension, consider further investigations for phaeochromocytoma.

Further information and advice can be found in the MHRA website.