Stomach drug may have cardiac risk (Canada)

On March 9, 2012 Health Canada warned that domperidone maleatea, a drug usually prescribed to fight stomach and intestinal problems, could have serious risks to cardiac health. Domperidone is also used to prevent symptoms such as nausea and vomiting caused by some drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease. Health Canada noted that recent studies show that the risk of abnormal heart beats and cardiac arrest may be higher in patients taking domperidone at doses greater than 30 mg a day, or in patients over 60. The agency advises domperidone be used at the lowest possible dose. The statement says that anyone taking domperidone who experiences any symptoms of abnormal heart rhythms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, fainting or seizures, should stop taking it and get medical attention right away