Domperidone

Domperidone is an anti-sickness medicine. It helps you to stop feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).

It can also be used to treat stomach pain if you're having end of life care (palliative care).

Domperidone is sometimes used to increase milk supply. Your doctor may prescribe it if you're having trouble breastfeeding but only if other things have not worked.

Domperidone comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow. It is available on prescription only.

It is also known by the brand name Motilium.

• You usually take domperidone when you need it, up to 3 times a day.
• It works best if you take it before meals.
• The most common side effect of domperidone is a dry mouth.
• It is generally prescribed for a short time only (usually up to 1 week).

Domperidone can be taken by most adults, and children aged 12 years and older.

It is sometimes prescribed for babies and younger children by a specialist doctor.

Domperidone is not suitable for some people.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to domperidone or any other medicine
• weigh less than 35kg
• have a condition that can cause a bowel obstruction, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
• have recently had abdominal surgery, such as a hernia operation or caesarean section
• have ever had bleeding from your stomach or gut
• have a tumour on your pituitary gland
• have liver, kidney or heart problems, or an irregular heartbeat

Domperidone may not be suitable for people over the age of 60. This is because there's more risk of side effects.

Always follow a doctor's instructions when taking domperidone.

Take it when you need it to help with your symptoms.

It's best to have domperidone before food. Take it 15 to 30 minutes before you have a meal or snack.

Tablets: take the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.

Liquid: the medicine comes with an oral syringe to help you measure your dose. If you do not have a syringe, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon, as this will not give you the right amount.

Dosage

The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years and older is one 10mg tablet (or 10ml of liquid).

You can take domperidone up to 3 times a day, if you need it. Space doses evenly throughout the day, at least 8 hours apart.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take domperidone, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much

Taking too much domperidone can be dangerous.

If you accidentally take more than your prescribed dose, you may get a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Contact 111 for advice if:

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the domperidone packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Like all medicines, domperidone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

More than 1 in 100 people will get a dry mouth. This common side effect is usually mild and goes away by itself.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare.

Tell a doctor straightaway if:

• your muscles or eyes start moving in an unusual or uncontrolled way
• you have problems peeing

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to domperidone.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

These are not all the side effects of domperidone. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

What to do about:

• dry mouth – try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking a sugar-free sweet

Domperidone is not usually recommended in pregnancy.

Find out more about how domperidone can affect you and your baby during pregnancy from the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPs) website.

Domperidone and breastfeeding

Domperidone is not usually recommended when breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk in small amounts. Talk to a doctor, as other medicines might be better.

If your baby was premature, had a low birth weight or has health problems, speak to a doctor before taking any anti-sickness medicine.

Domperidone is sometimes used to increase milk supply. However, there is some evidence that it can give a baby an irregular heartbeat. Talk to a doctor about the benefits and possible risks of taking domperidone when breastfeeding.

If you take domperidone while breastfeeding and you notice anything unusual with your baby, such as sleeping more than usual, talk to a health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.

Tell a doctor if you’re:

Some medicines and domperidone can interfere with each other. This may increase your chance of having side effects.

Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking:

• antidepressants or antipsychotic medicines
• antibiotics or medicines for fungal infections
• medicines for malaria
• medicines for HIV infection
• medicines for a heart condition or high blood pressure
• medicines for cancer, or having treatment for cancer

Is it safe to take with other anti-sickness medicines?

It's usually best to only take 1 type of medicine for feeling or being sick.

If domperidone does not work for you, speak to a doctor. They may want to recommend a different medicine.

Mixing domperidone with herbal remedies or supplements

Some herbal remedies can make your side effects worse. Speak to your pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines.

Important

Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.