Skip to content

Dopamine antagonist / prokinetic (anti-nausea and gut-motility agent)

Domperidone: uses, side effects & precautions

Also known as Motilium, Domstal.

Ces informations sont fournies à titre indicatif uniquement et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute préoccupation médicale personnelle. En cas d'urgence, appelez votre numéro d'urgence local.

What it is used for

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling of fullness, bloating, or stomach discomfort linked to slow stomach emptying

How it works

Domperidone blocks dopamine signals that cause nausea and helps the stomach contract and empty more effectively, easing nausea, vomiting, and a sense of fullness.

How it is taken

Comes as tablets and oral liquid. It is taken by mouth, usually before meals. Because it can affect heart rhythm, it is prescribed at the lowest effective amount for the shortest time; take it exactly as your clinician directs.

No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.

Common side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Mild stomach cramps

Serious effects — get help

  • Irregular or fast heartbeat, palpitations, fainting (possible heart-rhythm effect)
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing)
  • Uncontrolled movements (less common than with metoclopramide)

If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.

Interactions to watch

  • Medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT interval)
  • Certain antifungals (ketoconazole), some antibiotics (erythromycin), and other strong enzyme inhibitors that raise its levels
  • Other medicines your clinician should review

Who should take care

  • Not suitable for people with certain heart conditions or heart-rhythm problems
  • Tell your clinician about liver problems, low potassium or magnesium, or a family history of sudden cardiac problems
  • Use the lowest amount for the shortest time
  • Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your clinician
  • Share your full medicine list, especially heart and antifungal medicines

Frequently asked questions

How is domperidone different from metoclopramide?
Both ease nausea and help stomach emptying, but domperidone is less likely to cause movement disorders, while it carries more attention to heart rhythm. Your clinician chooses based on your health.
Why is it limited to short-term use?
To reduce the small risk of heart-rhythm effects, it is used at low amounts for the shortest period needed.
Can I take it if I have a heart condition?
Often not. Tell your clinician about any heart problems before using it.
Does it interact with antibiotics?
Some, like erythromycin, can raise its levels and risk. Always tell your pharmacist what you are taking.
Is Domperidone safe to take?
For most people it is safe when taken exactly as a doctor or pharmacist advises and as printed on the label. Tell your clinician about your other medicines and health conditions, and seek urgent care for any serious reaction.

Related medicines

See a doctor online now