Domperidone: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Domperidone is a medicine used to relieve nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. In India it is also sold combined with a proton pump inhibitor such as pantoprazole, for acid reflux (GERD). It can rarely cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem, so European regulators limited it to the lowest dose for the shortest time, usually no more than a week. In India it is a prescription medicine.
Also known as: Domperidone maleate, Domperidone tablet, Domperidone 10 mg, Domperidone vomiting medicine, Domperidone for nausea
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Domperidone work?
Domperidone blocks dopamine receptors in the gut and in the area of the brain that triggers vomiting (the chemoreceptor trigger zone), which lies outside the brain's protective barrier. This helps the stomach empty faster and reduces the urge to vomit, and because very little enters the rest of the brain, it rarely causes the movement side effects seen with some similar medicines.
How to take Domperidone
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Domperidone is meant for short-term use at the lowest effective dose, usually for no longer than a week in European guidance. Do not take more than the label or your doctor says. Children's doses are set by a doctor.
Side effects of Domperidone
Domperidone causes few side effects in most people, but it can rarely affect the heart's rhythm. The common ones are mild.
Uncommon or mild
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Skin rash or itching
Rare but serious: get medical help
- A fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, fainting or feeling faint. Get medical help immediately, as this can be a sign of a dangerous heart rhythm problem
- Fits (seizures)
- Uncontrolled movements, such as muscle spasms, a twisted neck or eyes rolling upwards, mainly in young children
- Breast swelling or tenderness, milk coming from the nipples, or missed periods, which are signs of a raised prolactin hormone
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a sudden widespread rash
- Restlessness or unusual agitation
Who should be careful
Because of the risk to the heart, some people should not take domperidone, and others should check with a doctor first.
- Heart disease, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, or a known long QT interval on an ECG: European regulators say domperidone should not be used
- Age over 60, or taking more than 30 mg a day: the risk of heart rhythm problems is higher
- Low potassium or magnesium in the blood, for example from vomiting, diarrhoea or water tablets
- Moderate or severe liver disease: domperidone is broken down by the liver and should not be used
- Kidney disease: a doctor may change how often it is taken
- Bleeding from the stomach or gut, or a blockage or tear in the gut
- A pituitary tumour that releases prolactin (prolactinoma)
- Children: use only on a doctor's advice and at the dose a doctor sets
- Pregnancy: information is limited, so ask your doctor
- Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk; Indian product information says breastfeeding is not recommended while taking it
Medicines and things that interact with Domperidone
Some medicines raise domperidone levels or add to its effect on the heart's rhythm. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Medicines that can affect heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval), such as amiodarone, sotalol, haloperidol, citalopram, escitalopram, erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin and methadone: European regulators say they should not be taken with domperidone
- Medicines that strongly block the liver enzyme CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (antifungals), clarithromycin (an antibiotic) and ritonavir (an HIV medicine): they raise domperidone levels and the risk to the heart
- Diltiazem and verapamil (for blood pressure and heart rhythm): can raise domperidone levels
- Anticholinergic medicines, such as some antihistamines: they can work against domperidone's effect on the gut
- Levodopa and other Parkinson's disease medicines: domperidone can raise levodopa levels, and dopamine-blocking effects may conflict
- Other medicines containing domperidone, including some combination products: risk of too high a dose
If someone takes too much
Too much domperidone can cause drowsiness, confusion, uncontrolled movements and, in some cases, heart rhythm problems, especially in children. There is no specific antidote; treatment supports the body and monitors the heart. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India. In India it is a prescription medicine, and it is also sold in fixed combinations such as with pantoprazole (for example Pan-D). Check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Domperidone belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Domperidone
These medicines sold in India contain Domperidone. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Pan-D · 30 mg capsule (enteric-coated pantoprazole pellets and sustained-r
What is Domperidone used for?
Combination medicines that contain Domperidone are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Who is at higher risk of heart side effects with domperidone?
People over 60, adults taking more than 30 mg a day, people with heart disease or an irregular heartbeat, and people taking certain other medicines, such as some antifungals, antibiotics and heart rhythm medicines. Tell your doctor about any heart problems and everything you take.
How long does domperidone take to work?
It usually starts to work within about 30 to 60 minutes. It is meant for short-term use; European guidance says usually no longer than one week. Follow your doctor's advice or the label.
Can domperidone be used during breastfeeding?
Small amounts pass into breast milk, and an effect on the baby's heart cannot be ruled out. Indian product information says breastfeeding is not recommended while taking it. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are breastfeeding.
Is Pan-D the same as domperidone?
Not exactly. Pan-D is a brand whose capsule contains domperidone together with pantoprazole, an acid-reducing medicine. Domperidone is one of its two ingredients. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack.
What is the difference between domperidone and ondansetron?
Both are used to relieve nausea and vomiting, but they work differently. Domperidone blocks dopamine receptors in the gut and a vomiting trigger area. Ondansetron blocks serotonin receptors. A doctor decides which suits your situation.
Can alcohol be taken with domperidone?
Alcohol does not directly interact with domperidone, but it can irritate the stomach and make nausea worse. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Should domperidone be taken before or after food?
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Labels commonly say to take it before meals, because it works on the stomach and gut. Check the pack for your product.
Is domperidone safe for children?
Only on a doctor's advice. European guidance limits use in children and sets doses by body weight, so children's doses must come from a doctor. Do not give an adult tablet to a child without medical advice.
Sources
- CMDh confirms recommendations on restricting use of domperidone-containing medicines. European Medicines Agency
- Domperidone 1 mg/ml Oral Suspension: Summary of Product Characteristics. electronic medicines compendium (emc), UK
- PAN-D (pantoprazole enteric-coated and domperidone sustained-release capsules): prescribing information (revised September 2019). Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Common questions about domperidone. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot take domperidone. NHS (UK)
- Taking domperidone with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission