Domperidone — what it does and when people use it
Domperidone is a medicine that helps with nausea, vomiting and slow stomach emptying. It speeds up the gut and can reduce feelings of bloating and fullness. Doctors also prescribe it off-label to boost breast milk production in some women. If you’re considering domperidone, know why it’s used and the safety issues that matter most.
How it’s used and common doses
The usual adult dose is 10 mg taken up to three times a day, typically 15–30 minutes before meals. Most guidelines recommend a maximum of 30 mg per day for adults. Use is generally short term — for days to a few weeks — unless your doctor says otherwise. For breastfeeding support, doctors typically use low doses and monitor the response closely.
Children and older adults need special dosing. If you’re over 60 or have other health issues, your doctor may lower the dose or choose a different medicine. Don’t change the dose on your own.
Key safety points and side effects
Domperidone can raise prolactin, which may cause breast tenderness, milk production, or menstrual changes. Common side effects include dry mouth, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These are usually mild.
Serious heart risks are the main concern. Domperidone can lengthen the QT interval on an ECG and, in rare cases, cause dangerous arrhythmias. The risk rises with higher doses, older age, existing heart disease, low potassium or magnesium, and when combined with other QT‑prolonging drugs.
Because of this, regulators recommend avoiding domperidone in people with known QT prolongation, significant heart disease, or severe liver problems. Your doctor may ask for an ECG or blood tests if you have risk factors.
Interactions matter: strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, erythromycin or some HIV meds increase domperidone levels and the heart risk. Other medicines that prolong QT (certain antibiotics, antifungals, antipsychotics, some antidepressants) should be avoided together with domperidone.
Domperidone is not approved everywhere. For example, it’s not approved by the US FDA for routine use, though some routes allow limited access. In many countries it is available by prescription. Always use a licensed pharmacy and follow your prescriber’s advice.
Before you start: tell your doctor about heart disease, fainting, family history of sudden death, electrolyte problems, liver disease, and all your medicines and supplements. Ask whether an ECG or blood test is needed and how long you should take the drug.
If you notice palpitations, fainting, severe dizziness, or sudden weakness, stop the medicine and seek medical help. For mild side effects, call your prescriber — they may adjust the dose or switch drugs.
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