Uses

Domperidone is an antiemetic (anti-sickness) and prokinetic drug. It belongs to a group of drugs called dopamine antagonists. It is used to treat stomach-related issues, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as stomach pain and discomfort caused by decreased movement of the stomach and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is also used to boost breastmilk supply.

Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gut. It increases the movement or contractions of the muscles in your stomach and intestines, increasing how quickly and easily food moves through your digestive tract. It also acts on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in your brain, which is involved in nausea and vomiting. This area of your brain is outside the blood-brain barrier. Unlike other dopamine antagonists, domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which minimizes central nervous system (CNS) side effects.

What are the side effects of domperidone?

Domperidone can cause serious side effects. Stop taking domperidone and see your doctor or go to a hospital straightaway if:

• You get swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing. You may also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria). This may mean you are having an allergic reaction to this medicine.
• You notice any uncontrolled movements. These include irregular eye movements, unusual movements of the tongue, and abnormal posture such as a twisted neck, trembling and muscle stiffness. This is more likely to happen in children. These symptoms should stop once you stop taking this medicine.
• You have a very fast or unusual heartbeat. This could be a sign of a life-threatening heart problem.
• You have a fit (seizure).

Common side effects of domperidone include:

• Dry mouth

Uncommon side effects of domperidone include:

• Lowering of sexual drive (libido) in men
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling drowsy
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Itchy skin. You may also have a rash
• Unusual production of breast milk in men and women
• Painful or tender breasts
• A general feeling of weakness

Other side effects (frequency unknown) of domperidone include:

• Disorders of the cardiovascular system: heart rhythm disorders (rapid or irregular heart beat) have been reported; if this happens, you should stop the treatment immediately. Domperidone may be associated with an increased risk of heart rhythm disorder and cardiac arrest. This risk may be more likely in those over 60 years old or taking doses higher than 30 mg per day.
• Feeling agitated or irritable
• Feeling more nervous than usual
• Abnormal eye movements
• Inability to urinate
• Breast enlargement in men
• In women, menstrual periods may be irregular or stop
• A blood test shows changes in the way your liver is working

Some patients who have used this medicine for conditions and dosages requiring longer term medical supervision have experienced the following unwanted effects: Restlessness; swollen or enlarged breasts, unusual discharge from breasts, irregular menstrual periods in women, difficulty breastfeeding, depression, hypersensitivity.

Side effects such as feeling drowsy, nervous, agitated or irritable or having a fit are more likely to happen in children.

These are not all of the possible side effects of domperidone.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Important information

Domperidone may cause an increased risk of heart rhythm disorder and cardiac arrest. This risk may be more likely in those over 60 years old or taking doses higher than 30 mg per day. The risk also increases when it is given together with some drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking drugs to treat infection (fungal infections or bacterial infection) and/or if you have heart problems or AIDS/HIV.

Domperidone should be used at the lowest effective dose in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older and a body weight of 35kg or more.

While taking this medicine, contact your doctor if you experience heart rhythm disorders such as palpitations, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness. Treatment with domperidone should be stopped.

Who should not take domperidone?

Do not take domperidone tablets if:

• You are allergic to domperidone or any of the other ingredients in it. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
  • Rash
  • Swallowing or breathing problems
  • Swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
• You have a tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma)
• You have a blockage or tear in your intestines
• You have black, tarry bowel motions (stools) or notice blood in your bowel motions. This could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
• You have a moderate or severe liver disease
• Your ECG (electrocardiogram) shows a heart problem called “prolonged QT corrected interval”
• You have or had a problem where your heart cannot pump the blood round your body as well as it should (condition called heart failure)
• You have a problem that gives you a low level of potassium or magnesium, or a high level of potassium in your blood

Disclaimer: Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.