Domperidone

Domperidone is an anti-sickness medicine that is a dopamine antagonist. The active ingredient – domperidone – speeds up the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps prevent vomiting and reduces nausea. Domperidone also prevents messages from being sent to the vomiting centre in the brain, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting. Domperidone takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and provides six to eight hours of relief. Domperidone is a prescription-only medicine.

What is Domperidone?

Domperidone is an anti-sickness medicine that is a dopamine antagonist. The active ingredient – domperidone – speeds up the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps prevent vomiting and reduces nausea.

Domperidone also prevents messages from being sent to the vomiting centre in the brain, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting. Domperidone takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and provides six to eight hours of relief. Domperidone is a prescription-only medicine.

What is it used for?

Dopamine antagonists are used to treat sickness (nausea) and vomiting due to many causes, including intestinal problems, migraine (severe headache), motion sickness and medical treatments such as chemotherapy and anaesthesia. Domperidone tablets stop the feelings of sickness and vomiting, whatever the cause may be.

How to use Domperidone

Domperidone tablets should be swallowed whole with some liquid, preferably before meals. If used for migraine, take a Domperidone tablet and a painkiller as soon as you feel a migraine attack coming on. For more information, see the package leaflet.

Dosage

One tablet contains 10 mg of Domperidone. Unless otherwise advised by the doctor, the usual dose is one to two Domperidone tablets, three to four times a day for adults and children aged 12 and above. Do not take more than eight tablets in any 24-hour period (4 x 2 tablets).

Domperidone is not suitable for children weighing less than 35 kilos. Always follow the prescribed dosage and read the package leaflet closely before use.

Side effects

Domperidone has few side effects, but in rare cases it has been known to cause abdominal cramps (domperidone stimulates peristaltic movement in the stomach and intestines), dry mouth, hormonal disorders (e.g. enlarged breasts in men) and menstrual disorders. Consult a doctor if the side effects affect you adversely. For a complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet.

When not to use Domperidone

Domperidone is not suitable for everyone and should not be used if you:

• Are allergic to domperidone or any other ingredient in this medicine;
• Have a certain type of brain tumour or a heart disease such as heart failure or irregular heartbeat;
• Have a liver condition;
• Suffer from severe abdominal cramps or pass black stools.

Consult a doctor on the use of Domperidone if you have a health condition that is not listed above or are currently on medication. Domperidone may interact with other medicines. The doctor will have a list of medicines that you should avoid mixing it with.

Pregnancy / driving / alcohol

Domperidone should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women without consulting a doctor first.

This medicine does not interact with alcohol or affect your ability to drive safely.