Effects
Dopamine antagonists are antidopaminergic, antipsychotic, antiemetic, and prokinetic. They are antagonists at dopamine receptors, eg, dopamine (D2)-receptors, thus abolishing the effects of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Indications
- Psychotic disorders
- Nausea and vomiting, to promote gastric emptying and motility in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Some dopamine antagonists are also used to treat movement disorders (dyskinesias, including neuroleptic-induced), e.g., tiapride (Tiapridal)
Agents
Neuroleptics:
- Benzamides, e.g., sulpiride (Dogmatil) and tiapride (Tiapridal).
- Butyrphenones, e.g., pipamperone (Dipiperon).
- Diphenylbutylpiperidines: penfluridol (Semap, out of trade).
- Phenothiazines
Prokinetics:
- Domperidone (Motilium)
- Metoclopramide (Paspertin)
- Alizapride (D)
Other:
- Indirect dopamine antagonist: naltrexone.
- Indirect dopamine antagonist by depletion of salivary vesicles: Tetrabenazine (Xenazine)