Domperidone is the active ingredient of Motilium and Vomidon.
General information
Domperidone is prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting that results from many causes, including chemotherapy and various digestive disorders. It is also effective in relieving digestive symptoms such as acid reflux, indigestion and heartburn.
This medication enhances the speed at which the stomach is emptied. This is of particular use in migraine, as domperidone enhances the absorption and efficacy of painkillers (non-opioid). It is therefore often found in migraine-cocktails that pharmacists make up.
Domperidone does not cause the drowsiness experienced with many other medications used for the treatment of nausea.
How does domperidone work?
Domperidone lowers the effect of dopamine in the chemo-emetic trigger zone, thereby preventing messages from being sent to the vomiting centre of the brain. The result is a reduction in nausea and vomiting. It also speeds the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps to prevent vomiting.
Fast facts
Drug schedule: schedule 2
Available as: domperidone is available as tablets and as suspension
What does it do ? domperidone treats nausea, vomiting and reflux
Overdose risk: medium
Dependence risk: low
Is Domperidone available as a generic? yes
Is Domperidone available on prescription only ? no
User information
Onset of effect: within 60 minutes
Duration of action: up to 6 hours
Dietary advice: medication should best be taken 15 - 30 minutes before a meal
Stopping this medicine: this medication can be safely stopped when no longer needed
Prolonged use: prolonged use is not recommended - it should preferably not be prescribed for longer than 12 weeks
Special precautions
Consult your doctor before using this drug if:
- you have liver or kidney disease
- you have a thyroid disorder
- you have gastric bleeding/obstruction/perforation
- you have a tumour that increase prolactin levels in your body
- you are taking any other medication
Pregnancy: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before using this drug, or if you are planning to fall pregnant.
Breastfeeding: avoid. This medication is passed through breast milk and may affect your baby adversely. Consult your doctor before use.
Porphyria: this medication is safe use.
Infants and children: this medication is safe for use in children at the recommended dose.
The elderly: no special precautions need to be taken.
Driving and hazardous work: no special precautions need to be taken.
Alcohol: avoid concomitant use of alcohol with this medication.
Possible side effects
Side effect |
Frequency |
Consult your doctor |
Common |
Rare |
Only if severe |
In all cases |
abdominal cramps |
x |
|
x |
|
diarrhoea |
x |
|
x |
|
skin rash/ itch |
|
x |
|
x |
breast enlargement (reversible) |
|
x |
|
x |
milk secretion from breasts (reversible) |
|
x |
|
x |
palpitations |
|
x |
|
x |
Interactions
Drug interactions
ketoconazole |
increased risk of domperidone adverse effects |
macrolide antibiotics |
increased risk of domperidone adverse effects |
bromocriptine, cabergoline |
domperidone may reduce the efficacy of these drugs |
opioid painkillers |
slows gastric emptying speed |
paracetamol |
enhance the effect of paracetamol |
Disease interactions
Consult your doctor before using this drug if you have liver or kidney disease, you have a thyroid disorder, you have gastric bleeding/obstruction/perforation, or if you have a tumour that increases prolactin levels in your body.
Overdose action
A small overdose is no cause for concern. In case of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
Recommended dosage
Adults: 30 - 80mg/day in 3 - 4 divided doses
This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment and recommendations.