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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Domperidone

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Domperidone

  • Domperidone is to help prevent you feeling or being sick.
  • It is generally not recommended for children except to control sickness following cancer treatment.
  • Side-effects from treatment are rare, but if you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

About domperidone

Type of medicineDopamine antagonist
Used forThe relief of sickness, feeling sick, or the regurgitation of stomach contents
The discomfort of indigestion with a feeling of bloatedness
Also calledMotilium®, Motilium® Instants
Available asTablets, orodispersible (melt in the mouth) tablets, oral suspension and suppositories

Domperidone works by helping to move food faster through your digestive system. This helps prevent feelings of sickness, bloatedness and regurgitation.

Before taking or using domperidone

Before taking or using domperidone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have kidney, heart or liver problems.
  • If you have prolactinoma (a tumour of the pituitary gland).
  • If you have a bowel blockage or tear, or any bleeding from your bowel.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take or use domperidone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take domperidone exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • If you are taking the tablets or oral suspension, swallow your dose with a drink of water, half an hour before a meal and at bedtime if needed.
  • If you are using the suppositories, follow the information in the leaflet provided.
  • If you are taking the orodispersible (melt in the mouth) tablets, allow the tablet to disintegrate on your tongue before swallowing.
  • Domperidone is not generally recommended for children except to control sickness following cancer treatment.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with domperidone.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking domperidone.

Can domperidone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Rare side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 1,000 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
DrowsinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Enlarged breasts, unusual production of breast milk, reduced interest in sex, and irregular menstrual periodsLet your doctor know

Important: if you experience any swelling of the face or throat, or any uncontrolled movements, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store domperidone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 15 Sep 2009		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 3285  Version: 24		Peer Reviewer: Dr Adrian Bonsall
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