Antidopaminergic antiemetics widely used to treat nausea and vomiting are associated with a threefold increased risk of ischaemic stroke, a study suggests.

The highest increased risk was observed for metopimazine and metoclopramide (3.6-fold and 3.5-fold respectively), both of which cross the blood–brain barrier and might have an effect on cerebral blood flow, the French researchers noted. 

For domperidone, the other drug investigated, there was a 2.5-fold increased risk. 

Given that central antidopaminergic drugs, like antipsychotics, have been associated with an increased risk of stroke, a team from INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research) set out to investigate whether other drugs with the same action might also increase risk.