A dopamine-blocking antiemetic for nausea and vomiting
Alizapride
A dopamine-blocking antiemetic used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, such as with chemotherapy.
What is Alizapride?
Alizapride is an antiemetic, a medicine used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including the sickness that can come with chemotherapy. It works by blocking dopamine, a chemical signal that helps trigger the vomiting reflex, so feeling and being sick are reduced. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Like other dopamine-blocking antiemetics, it can occasionally cause movement-related (extrapyramidal) effects such as restlessness, muscle stiffness or unusual movements, which are more likely with higher use or in younger people and should be reported.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Alizapride — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Alizapride is an antiemetic, a medicine that helps stop nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick). It belongs to a group of antiemetics that work by blocking dopamine. It is used for nausea and vomiting from various causes, including the sickness that can come with chemotherapy. It can be given by mouth or by injection depending on the situation. As with other dopamine-blocking antiemetics, it can cause drowsiness and, occasionally, movement-related side effects, so it is used at the lowest effective amount for as short a time as needed.
How it works
Nausea and vomiting are partly triggered by dopamine signals acting on the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex, and on the gut. Alizapride blocks these dopamine signals, which calms the reflex and reduces feeling and being sick. Because dopamine is also involved in controlling movement, blocking it is what can occasionally cause movement-related side effects. The medicine is used to prevent sickness before it is expected, such as around chemotherapy, as well as to settle it once it has started.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A medicine used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including the sickness that can come with chemotherapy.
Practical use
How to take Alizapride
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take or receive it as prescribed to prevent or settle nausea and vomiting, often before sickness is expected.
- Be cautious with driving or concentration, as it can make you drowsy.
- Avoid alcohol while taking it, as it adds to the drowsiness.
- Report any restlessness, muscle stiffness or unusual movements promptly.
- Tell your prescriber about Parkinson's disease or other antiemetic or antipsychotic medicines before starting.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Alizapride
Advantages
- Helps prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including sickness linked to chemotherapy.
- Can be given by mouth or by injection to suit the situation.
- Works on the reflex that drives feeling and being sick.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes drowsiness, affecting driving and concentration.
- Can occasionally cause movement-related (extrapyramidal) side effects.
- Less suitable for people with Parkinson's disease or certain movement disorders.
Practical use
Good to know
The most common thing to expect with alizapride is drowsiness, so be careful with driving or tasks needing concentration, and avoid alcohol, which adds to the sleepiness. The most important safety point is that, like other dopamine-blocking antiemetics, it can occasionally cause movement-related (extrapyramidal) effects such as restlessness, muscle stiffness, tremor or unusual movements of the face or limbs. These are more likely with higher use, longer use, or in children and young adults, and should be reported promptly as they usually settle when the medicine is stopped. It is used at the lowest amount that works for the shortest time needed. Tell your prescriber about Parkinson's disease, other antiemetics or antipsychotics, and any history of movement disorders, as these affect whether it is suitable.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to alizapride should not take it.
- It is generally avoided in people with Parkinson's disease, as it can worsen their condition.
- It is used with caution in children and young adults, who are more prone to movement-related effects.
- It is used with care alongside other medicines that block dopamine, such as antipsychotics.
Monitoring
- Watching for movement-related side effects, especially in younger people or with longer use.
- Reviewing how well the nausea and vomiting are controlled.
- Using the lowest effective amount for the shortest time needed.
Side effects
- Drowsiness, which is the most common effect.
- Movement-related (extrapyramidal) effects such as restlessness, stiffness, tremor or unusual movements, which should be reported.
- Occasionally, a raised level of the hormone prolactin, sometimes causing breast tenderness or changes in periods.
Key interactions
- Alcohol and other sedating medicines add to the drowsiness.
- Other medicines that block dopamine, such as antipsychotics, increase the risk of movement-related effects.
- Medicines used for Parkinson's disease may work less well alongside it.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth and a solution for injection.
Answers
Alizapride: frequently asked questions
What is alizapride used for?
It is an antiemetic used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, including the sickness that can come with chemotherapy.
How does it work?
It blocks dopamine, a chemical signal that helps trigger the vomiting reflex, which reduces feeling and being sick.
Will it make me drowsy?
Drowsiness is the most common side effect, so take care with driving or concentration and avoid alcohol, which adds to the sleepiness.
What are movement side effects?
Like other dopamine-blocking antiemetics, it can occasionally cause restlessness, stiffness or unusual movements; report these promptly as they usually settle on stopping.
Can people with Parkinson's take it?
It is generally avoided in Parkinson's disease because blocking dopamine can worsen the condition; your prescriber will choose a suitable alternative.
The wider class
About Antiemetic (dopamine antagonist)
Alizapride belongs to the antiemetic (dopamine antagonist) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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