Why it's used

Domperidone is used to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine works by blocking the activity of a chemical in the brain that causes nausea and vomiting.
Dopamine-2 Receptor Antagonist
Domperidone belongs to a class of medicines called Dopamine-2 Receptor Antagonist. Dopamine antagonist are medicines used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and stimulant psychosis. They work by blocking the activation of Dopamine D2 receptors.

How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Domperidone, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Domperidone as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Domperidone is consumed before food. The absorption of the Domperidone is delayed if taken after the meal. Take this medicine 15 to 30 minutes before meals. If needed, this medicine should be taken before going to bed.
The typical dose of Domperidone for adults is 10 mg thrice a day followed by maximum dose of 30 mg per day. The usual dose for children is 0.25 mg/kg (0.11 mg/lb) thrice a day followed by maximum dose of 0.75mg/kg/day (0.34 mg/lb/day) in oral suspension. The maximum dose for adult patients of Domperidone is 30 mg/day per day. This medicine is generally used for a period of 3-4 days for symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Domperidone is commonly used at the same time every day. This medicine is not known to be addictive or habit-forming.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis.
Discuss with your doctor if you develop new symptoms. Discuss with your doctor if swelling of the hands, swelling of the feet, swelling in the ankles, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling in the throat, itching, hives, abnormal movements in eye, tongue, twisted neck, difficulty in muscle movements (muscle stiffness), seizures, and abnormal heartbeat. If you have any kidney disease, the daily dose of Domperidone tablets should be reduced to once or twice daily depending on the severe conditions of functioning of the kidney. Consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Domperidone.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of this medicine to understand the impact on the body. Please follow your doctor's recommendations.
If you are giving Domperidone to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Domperidone for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Domperidone to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.
Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Domperidone do not store above 25°C (77°F). Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take Domperidone

Your dose may depend on several personal factors. You should consult with your doctor to find out the dose that is best for you. The dose of Domperidone depends on the following factors:
  • patient's age
  • patient's weight
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's liver
  • the health of the patient's kidneys
  • response to treatment

Domperidone Dosage

Dosage for symptoms of nausea and vomiting

Adult (adults and children (12 years and older and weighing 35 kg (16 lb) or more))
  • Recommended: 10 mg thrice a day
  • Maximum: 30 mg per day
Children (children under 12 years and weighing less than 35 kg (16 lb))
  • Recommended: 0.25 mg/kg (0.11 mg/lb) thrice a day (for oral suspension)
  • Maximum: 0.75 mg/kg/day (0.34 mg/lb/day)

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 10 mg
Oral suspension
Strength: 1 mg/ml

Special Instructions

Oral suspension
Shake the medicine bottle before opening it. Insert the bottle adaptor into the open bottle. Draw up the required dose of medicine using the oral syringe. Put the tip of the oral syringe inside the child’s mouth. Gently push the plunger to insert small amounts of the drug into child’s mouth. Allow the child to swallow before you push the plunger again. After giving the whole dose, wash and rinse the syringe in soapy water and do not clean the oral syringe in the dishwasher.

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken with food as soon as you remember it. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Domperidone?
No specific antidote is available for an overdose of Domperidone. However, the treatment according to the symptoms should be given immediately. The harmful effects can be reduced by inducing gastric lavage (cleaning out the harmful substances of the stomach) as well as the use of activated charcoal. Electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring should be performed because of the abnormal heartbeat (QT interval prolongation), and in this case, supportive therapy should be recommended. Anticholinergics and antiparkinson drugs may be used to control drug-induced movement disorders.
Symptoms of an overdose of Domperidone
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Domperidone, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Domperidone

Before you use Domperidone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information.
Before you use Domperidone, tell your doctor of your medical history including abnormal functioning of the liver and kidney, electrolyte disturbances such as low or high potassium level, and low magnesium level, heart disease, hormone (prolactin)-releasing pituitary tumour (prolactinoma), reduced or absent activity of lactase (galactose intolerance, glucose/galactose metabolic disorder), build up of galactose in the blood (galactosemia), stomach or intestinal bleeding (gastrointestinal haemorrhage), stomach or intestinal obstruction, or slow heart rate (bradycardia). The use of Domperidone in the patients with heart disease such as congestive heart failure, slow heart rate, and electrolyte disturbances may see an increased risk of existing irregular heartbeat and heart attack. Domperidone may be unsuitable for patients with galactosemia, lactose intolerance, or glucose/galactose metabolic disorder. The use of Domperidone in the patient with abnormal functioning of the kidney may decrease the level of Domperidone in the blood and increase the drug excretion in the patient with abnormal functioning of the liver.
The use of this medicine may change abnormal heartbeat (QT interval prolongation). The use of Domperidone may increase the risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT interval prolongation). Electrocardiography (ECG) should be monitored during the therapy of Domperidone.
The use of Domperidone may change blood prolactin level. The use of Domperidone may increase the level of prolactin in the blood. The blood prolactin level should be monitored during the therapy of Domperidone.
Domperidone should be used in pregnancy only when required. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Domperidone should be used while breastfeeding only when required. Domperidone may pass into breast milk in a small amount and cause harmful effect on the heart such as an abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation) in breastfeeding children. Consult with your doctor on the use of Domperidone, if you are trying to conceive.
Domperidone can make you feel sleepy. Be careful while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that needs you to be alert. The consumption of alcohol with Domperidone can make you feel more sleepy. Domperidone may cause seizures in some people. Discuss with your doctor if you perform activities where a loss of consciousness may cause you or others harm.
Domperidone may cause an increased risk of side-effects in younger patients. Children using this medicine may see an increased risk of convulsion, agitation, drowsiness, drug-induced movement disorders, irregular eye movements, confusion, unusual eye movements, unusual movements of the tongue, abnormal posture such as a twisted neck, trembling and muscle stiffness, and irritation.
Domperidone may increase side-effects in older patients. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of irregular heartbeat, and sudden heart attack.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Domperidone to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Only When Necessary
Warning: Domperidone may pass into breast milk in a small amount and may cause harmful heart effect such as abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation) in breastfeeding children.

Younger Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Domperidone may cause neurological side effects in infants. Therefore Domperidone should be given with precaution and the lowest effective dose should be selected. The use of Domperidone is not suitable for children weighing less than 35 kg (16 lb).

Older Adults Population

Severe Precaution
Warning: The use of Domperidone may cause severe irregular heartbeat and sudden loss of functioning of the heart (sudden cardiac death).

Domperidone Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Domperidone. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Domperidone. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
Rarely, the use of Domperidone may cause the following side-effects:
  • anxiety
  • breast pain
  • breast tenderness
  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness
  • excessive or inappropriate production of milk
  • headache
  • hives
  • involuntary eye muscle contractions due to certain drugs (oculogyric crisis)
  • lack of energy
  • loss of interest in sex (loss of libido)
  • nervousness
  • rash
  • severe itching of the skin
  • swollen male breast tissue
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Domperidone:
  • Symptoms: state of extreme anxiety (agitation)
  • heart disorders
    Symptoms: irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythms (QTc prolongation), rapid heartbeat (Torsade de pointes) sudden loss of functioning of the heart (sudden cardiac death)
  • immune system disorder
    Symptoms: life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), swelling of the lower layer of skin allergic reaction
  • nervous system disorders
    Symptoms: drug-induced movement disorders convulsions
  • skin disorder
    Symptoms: swelling of the lower layer of skin
Your doctor has prescribed Domperidone because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Domperidone.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Domperidone by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:

Side-effects in Children

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in young patients:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
If any of these symptoms occur, avoid the use of this medicine.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
Use of Domperidone should be discontinued if the allergic reaction occurs.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Patients with the reduced or absent activity of lactase (lactose intolerance, glucose/galactose metabolic disorder), and build of galactose in the blood (galactosemia)

Due to the presence of lactose in Domperidone, the patients with these problems are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Take necessary precautions while using Domperidone in such patients.

Use of Domperidone in the children

Children are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Younger children are at an increased risk of neurological side effects such as extreme emotional disturbance (agitation), seizure, and sleeplessness than infants when using Domperidone. Children taking more than the recommended dose may experience drug-induced movement (extrapyramidal) symptoms when using Domperidone. Precaution should be taken while using this medicine in younger children.

Abnormal functioning of the kidney

Patients with abnormal functioning of the kidney are at an increased risk when using Domperidone. These patients may have increased elimination time when using Domperidone. The dose of Domperidone should be reduced to once or twice daily depending on the severe conditions of the kidney.

Patients with electrolyte disturbances or low heart rate

The patients with electrolyte disturbances such as increase or decrease in potassium and magnesium levels or low heartbeat are at an increased risk when using Domperidone. Such patients are at increased risk of existing irregular heartbeat risk. The use of Domperidone is not recommended in such patients.

Elderly patients above 60 years, taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, and QT-prolonging drugs

Such patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients may develop an increased risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden loss of heart function. Discontinue the treatment with Domperidone if any signs or symptoms associated with increased and decreased heartbeat occurs. Patients are advised to report any heart symptoms immediately.

Patients taking the daily dose of more than 30 mg

Such patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. These patients are at an increased risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden loss of heart function. Discontinue the treatment with Domperidone if any signs or symptoms associated with increased and decreased heartbeat occurs. Patients are advised to report any heart symptoms immediately.

Patients with existing conditions of abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation)

The patients with existing heart conditions such as abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation), congestive heart failure are at an increased risk when using Domperidone. Use of Domperidone is not recommended in such patients.

Patients taking apomorphine

Such patients are at increased risk when using this medicine. Use of apomorphine may potentiate the high blood pressure conditions of Domperidone. Apomorphine can only be used if its benefit outweighs the risks with Domperidone. Patients undergoing apomorphine therapy should start using Domperidone at least 2 days before the treatment. The dose of Domperidone should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose and to be discontinued shortly. Before starting combined treatment of Domperidone with apomorphine, patients should be assessed for the risk factors such as abnormal heartbeats (QT prolongation), heart failure, abnormal function of the liver or significant electrolyte disturbance.

Interactions with Domperidone

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
Domperidone interacts with antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram), which are used to treat depression. Use of Domperidone with antidepressants may lead to an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Avoid the combined use of Domperidone and antidepressants.
There may be an interaction of Domperidone with antipsychotics (haloperidol, pimozide, sertindole), which are used to treat mental disorders. When Domperidone is used with antipsychotics drugs, patients are at increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). The combined use of Domperidone with antipsychotic drugs is not recommended.
Domperidone may interact with anti-arrhythmics (disopyramide, quinidine, amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, sotalol), which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart problems. When Domperidone is used with anti-arrthymics drugs, patients are at increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Patients should avoid taking Domperidone in combination with anti-arrhythmics.
Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with antibiotics, antifungal agents and antimalarial agents (erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, spiramycin, pentamidine, halofantrine and lumefantrine), which are used to treat bacterial infections, fungal infections and malaria. The combined use of Domperidone with antifungal agents, antibiotics, and antimalarial drugs may lead to an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). The combined of Domperidone with these agents is not recommended.
Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with apomorphine, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Use of apomorphine may potentiate the high blood pressure conditions of Domperidone. Apomorphine can only be used if its benefit outweighs the risks with Domperidone. Patients undergoing apomorphine therapy should start using Domperidone at least 2 days before the treatment. The dose of Domperidone should be adjusted to the lowest effective dose and to be discontinued shortly. Before starting combined treatment of Domperidone with apomorphine, patients should be assessed for the risk factors such as abnormal heartbeats (QT prolongation), heart failure, abnormal function of the liver or significant electrolyte disturbance.
Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with bepridil, diphemanil, and methadone, which are used to treat chest pain, stomach ulcer and severe pain due to cancer respectively. When Domperidone is used with bepridil, diphemanil or methadone, patients are at increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT interval prolongation). The combined use of Domperidone with these drugs should be avoided.
Domperidone interacts with anticancer drugs (toremifene, vandetanib, vincamine), which are used to treat cancer. Patients who are using anti-cancer drugs along with Domperidone are at increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Such patients should not take Domperidone with anti-cancer drugs.
There may be an interaction of Domperidone with antihistaminics (mequitazine, mizolastine), which are used to treat allergic conditions. Antihistaminics with Domperidone may lead to an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Patients should avoid this combination of Domperidone with antihistaminics.
Domperidone may interact with stomach or intestinal medicines (cisapride, dolasetron, prucalopride), which are used to treat stomach or intestinal disorders. When Domperidone is used with stomach or intestinal medicines, patients are at increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Such patients should avoid the combined use of Domperidone with stomach or intestinal medicines.
Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with ketoconazole, which is used to treat fungal infections. The combined use of ketoconazole with Domperidone, may decrease the metabolism of Domperidone and further leads to the abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation). Take necessary precautions while using the combination of ketoconazole with Domperidone.
Domperidone interacts with azithromycin and roxithromycin, which are used to treat bacterial infections. When Domperidone is used with anti-bacterial drugs, patients may experience an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). The use of this combination may cause low blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood. Use of roxithromycin with Domperidone may also increase the level of Domperidone in the blood. Precaution should take necessary precautions while using Domperidone with anti-bacterial drugs.
There may be an interaction of Domperidone with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as diltiazem, verapamil, and macrolides which are used to treat high blood pressure and bacterial infections. The combined use of Domperidone with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase the level of Domperidone in the blood. Such patients are at an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT-interval prolongation). Such patients should avoid the combined use of Domperidone with these moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors.
Domperidone may interact with Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as protease inhibitors, systemic azole antifungals (fluconazole or voriconazole), macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin), which are used to treat viral, fungal and bacterial infections respectively. When Domperidone is used with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, may increase the level of Domperidone in blood. The combined use of Domperidone with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be avoided.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Domperidone. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Interactions of Domperidone by Severity

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Domperidone be not used?

Allergic to Domperidone or any of its components

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to Domperidone or any of its components. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • rash
  • swallowing or breathing problems
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling of the lips
  • swelling of the tongue or throat

Patients with tumour of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma)

The use of this medicine is not recommended in patients with prolactinoma.

Patients with moderate or severe abnormal functioning of the liver

This medicine should not be used in patients with moderate or severe abnormal functioning of liver. The levels of Domperidone may get increased in the blood of patients suffering from moderate abnormal functioning of the liver.

Patients with existing heart diseases (such as abnormal heartbeat and heart failure) or electrolyte disturbances

This medicine should not be used in patients with existing heart diseases or electrolyte disturbances. Such patients may have an increased risk of the irregular heartbeat.

Patients taking QT-prolonging drugs such as quinidine, hydroquinidine or amiodarone

This medicine should not be used in patients taking QT-prolonging drugs such as quinidine, hydroquinidine or amiodarone. These patients are at an increased risk of serious irregular heartbeat or sudden loss of heart function.

Patients taking CY3A4 inhibitors such as oral ketoconazole, erythromycin which are used to treat the fungal and bacterial infection

The use of this medicine is not recommended in patients taking CY3A4 inhibitors. Such patients are at an increased risk of abnormal heartbeat (QT prolongation).

Patients suffering from stomach and intestinal bleeding (gastrointestinal haemorrhage), mechanical obstruction and rupturing (perforation) of the digestive tract

This medicine should not be used in patients with stomach and intestinal problems.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Domperidone is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Domperidone .
Nausea and Vomiting
Stomach Disorders
Indigestion
Digestive Diseases

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