Domperidone
Pronunciation: (dom-PAIR-ih-dohn).
- Generic name
- Domperidone
- Brand names
- Domidon, Motilium Instants, Domstal-DSR, Vomistop, Domstal, Motilium
- Drug class
- Dopamine antagonist
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Domperidone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Domperidone works
Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine D2 and D3 receptor antagonist. By blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) outside the blood-brain barrier, it exerts antiemetic effects. In the gastrointestinal tract, domperidone enhances gastric motility and accelerates gastric emptying by increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure and promoting coordinated peristalsis. (2)
What Domperidone is used for
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting (2)
Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis (2)
Before taking Domperidone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to domperidone, prolactin-releasing pituitary tumor, moderate/severe hepatic impairment, or known cardiac conditions (prolonged QT, arrhythmias, heart failure). (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Domperidone
- General Instructions: Take domperidone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken before meals and, if needed, before bedtime.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose is 10 mg taken 3 times daily, 15–30 minutes before meals. Maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg.. Pediatric Dosing: For children, dosing is based on body weight and should be determined by a pediatrician. Do not use in children under 12 years or those weighing less than 35 kg unless specifically directed by a specialist.. Administration: Swallow tablets whole with water. Oral suspension should be measured with a dosing syringe or spoon. Do not exceed the recommended dose.. When To Stop: Seek medical advice promptly if you develop any serious side effects, or if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop domperidone.. Storage: Store at room temperature (below 25°C/77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, abnormal movements, or irregular heartbeat. Supportive care and monitoring of heart rhythm are essential. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional. The clinician database did not list specific side effects; the list below is drawn from UK/EU product labeling.
Dry mouth
Incidence: Common
Reduced libido, anxiety, drowsiness, headache
Incidence: Uncommon
Diarrhea, rash, weakness
Incidence: Uncommon
Abnormal milk production, breast tenderness or enlargement, irregular menstruation (from raised prolactin)
Incidence: Uncommon to frequency unknown
Signs of an allergic reaction — swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, or throat with difficulty swallowing or breathing
Incidence: Rare
Very fast or unusual heartbeat, fainting, or chest pain (possible heart rhythm disturbance)
Incidence: Frequency unknown; higher risk over age 60 or with doses above 30 mg/day
Uncontrolled or abnormal movements, or seizures
Incidence: Rare
Serious warnings
May increase risk of serious heart rhythm problems, especially in older adults or those with underlying heart disease — serious
Symptoms: May increase risk of serious heart rhythm problems, especially in older adults or those with underlying heart disease. Not recommended for use in children under 12 years unless prescribed by a specialist. Should not be used in patients with moderate or severe liver impairment. Use with caution in patients taking other QT-prolonging drugs. Prolonged use or high doses may increase risk of side effects, including hormonal changes.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to domperidone, a prolactin-releasing pituitary tumor (prolactinoma), an intestinal blockage or tear, GI bleeding, moderate or severe hepatic impairment, prolonged QT interval, heart failure, or abnormal blood potassium or magnesium levels — serious
Symptoms: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to domperidone, a prolactin-releasing pituitary tumor (prolactinoma), an intestinal blockage or tear, GI bleeding, moderate or severe hepatic impairment, prolonged QT interval, heart failure, or abnormal blood potassium or magnesium levels. (Corrected from an earlier version that listed electrolyte disturbances only as a caution — labeling lists abnormal potassium/magnesium as a formal contraindication.) Use with caution in elderly patients or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Domperidone can interact with medications that prolong the QT interval (such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antidepressants), as well as with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, and ritonavir). These interactions may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm disturbances. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not usually recommended in pregnancy due to limited safety data. Should be used only when the anticipated therapeutic benefit, as judged by the prescriber, justifies the potential risk. (2)
Breastfeeding
Not usually recommended while breastfeeding. Small amounts of domperidone pass into breast milk, and because of the drug's cardiac (QT-prolongation) risk profile it may affect a breastfed infant; use only if the prescriber judges it medically necessary. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children; do not use in children under 12 years or weighing under 35 kg unless specifically directed by a specialist. (2)
Renal_impairment
Contraindicated in moderate or severe hepatic impairment. In renal impairment, the dosing frequency and/or dose should be reduced for prolonged treatment — the specific adjustment must be individualized by the prescriber; no fixed numeric schedule is published. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Contraindicated in moderate or severe hepatic impairment. In renal impairment, the dosing frequency and/or dose should be reduced for prolonged treatment — the specific adjustment must be individualized by the prescriber; no fixed numeric schedule is published. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, below 25C (77F), away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not refrigerate or freeze suppositories. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Nausea and vomiting
Dose summary: 10 mg taken orally 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.
Renal context: Dosing frequency and/or dose should be reduced for prolonged treatment in renal impairment; no fixed numeric adjustment is published, so the prescriber individualizes based on severity. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is domperidone used for?
Domperidone is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of slow stomach emptying, such as bloating and discomfort. It may also be prescribed to help with reflux symptoms and, in some cases, to stimulate breast milk production under specialist supervision.
How quickly does domperidone work?
Domperidone usually begins to relieve symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes after taking a dose. Full effects may be seen after a few days of regular use.
Is domperidone safe for long-term use?
Domperidone is generally recommended for short-term use (usually less than 7 days) due to potential risks, especially heart-related side effects. Long-term use should only occur under close medical supervision.
Can domperidone be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Domperidone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. It may be used to stimulate breast milk production, but only under specialist guidance due to potential risks.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
If you experience mild side effects, inform your doctor if they persist. Seek immediate medical attention for serious symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Are there foods or drinks I should avoid while taking domperidone?
Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol while taking domperidone, as these can increase the risk of side effects.
Can I take domperidone with other medications?
Some medications can interact with domperidone, especially those that affect heart rhythm or are metabolized by CYP3A4. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting new medications.
What happens if I take too much Domperidone?
Taking too much Domperidone can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, disorientation, and extrapyramidal reactions, including involuntary muscle movements. In severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias may occur. If an overdose is suspected, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat and inform medical personnel of the exact amount taken.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Domperidone?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Domperidone. As a dopamine antagonist, Domperidone can cause drowsiness or dizziness, and alcohol can exacerbate these central nervous system depressant effects. Combining them may increase the risk of impaired coordination and sedation, potentially making activities like driving unsafe. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Domperidone safe during pregnancy?
Domperidone's safety during pregnancy falls under a category that requires careful consideration. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before using Domperidone if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will assess the potential benefits against any risks to the fetus and determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
What is the mechanism of action of Domperidone?
Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine D2 and D3 receptor antagonist. By blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) outside the blood-brain barrier, it exerts antiemetic effects. In the gastrointestinal tract, domperidone enhances gastric motility and accelerates gastric emptying by increasing lower esophageal sphincter pressure and promoting coordinated peristalsis. (2)
What is the generic name of Domperidone?
The generic name is Domperidone. It is sold under brand names including Domidon, Motilium Instants, Domstal-DSR, Vomistop, Domstal, Motilium.
What class of drug is Domperidone?
Domperidone is classed as: Dopamine antagonist.
References
- Domperidone — clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal (internal clinician-authored medicine record) · internal database (global) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Domperidone (Motilium) Consumer/Professional MonographDrugs.com (data from UK/EU EMC SmPC for Motilium) · United Kingdom/European Union · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Domperidone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- DomstalTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- DomMorepen Laboratories Ltd
- DompedMedispan Ltd
- GastractivJanssen Pharmaceuticals
- MotinormMedley Pharmaceuticals
- PepchekIndoco Remedies Ltd
- VomistopCipla Ltd
- DomitinNavil Laboratories Pvt Ltd
- DomperonCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd