Metopimazine Sans Sucre, Édulcoré À L’aspartam Arrow (Metopimazine)

Metopimazine is an antiemetic that works on the dopaminergic pathway to control nausea and vomiting.

• Nausea: reduces the sensation of nausea caused by gastrointestinal, postoperative or vestibular triggers.
• Vomiting: helps stop episodes of vomiting associated with gastroenteritis, chemotherapy or surgery.
• Motion sickness: prevents motion‑induced nausea and vomiting during travel or rides.

• Metopimazine exerts its antiemetic effect primarily by antagonising dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the gastrointestinal tract. This blockade reduces dopaminergic signalling that initiates the vomiting reflex, thereby decreasing the frequency and intensity of nausea and emesis.

Metopimazine may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to serious.

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness: feeling unusually sleepy or fatigued.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation leading to a parched sensation.
• Constipation: slowed intestinal motility causing infrequent stools.
• Dizziness: light‑headedness or a sense of imbalance.
• Blurred vision: temporary difficulty focusing.
• Weight gain: modest increase in body weight.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Extrapyramidal symptoms: involuntary muscle movements or rigidity.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: rare but life‑threatening reaction with fever and muscle rigidity.
• Severe hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure that may cause fainting.
• Cardiac arrhythmia: irregular heart rhythm, especially in patients with pre‑existing heart disease.
• Torsades de pointes: a specific type of ventricular tachycardia linked to QT prolongation.

Before prescribing Metopimazine, clinicians should consider several safety factors.

• Hypersensitivity: avoid in patients with known allergy to phenothiazines.
• Cardiovascular disease: use cautiously in patients with arrhythmias or low blood pressure.
• Elderly patients: monitor closely for sedation and falls.
• Parkinson’s disease: may worsen motor symptoms; avoid if possible.
• Hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be needed due to reduced metabolism.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Metopimazine can interact with other medicines, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Antipsychotics: increased risk of extrapyramidal side effects.
• MAO inhibitors: potential for severe hypotension and serotonin syndrome.
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids): additive sedation and respiratory depression.
• QT‑prolonging drugs: heightened risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticholinergic agents: may intensify dry mouth and constipation.
• Antihypertensives: possible additive blood‑pressure lowering effect.
• CYP2D6 inhibitors: may raise Metopimazine plasma concentrations, requiring dose review.