You probably know Motilium (domperidone) as a go-to for nausea and slow stomach emptying. It helps by speeding up gut movement, but it isn’t ideal for everyone — some places restrict it because of heart risks, and some people get side effects. If you need other options, here are clear, practical choices and when they make sense.
Metoclopramide (Reglan) — another prokinetic that helps with gastroparesis and nausea. It works well short-term, but long-term use can cause movement disorders (tardive dyskinesia). Ask your doctor about the lowest effective dose and watch for involuntary movements.
Ondansetron (Zofran) — a very effective antiemetic, especially for chemotherapy-related or post-op nausea. It’s less about speeding the gut and more about blocking nausea signals in the brain. Watch out for QT prolongation if you take other heart-affecting drugs.
Prochlorperazine or promethazine — older anti-nausea meds that can work for many causes of nausea, including migraines and vestibular issues. They cause drowsiness and may not be suitable for older adults or people who need to stay alert.
Erythromycin — an antibiotic that at low doses can act like a prokinetic and help empty the stomach faster. It’s an option for some people with gastroparesis, but it can interact with other drugs and lose effectiveness over time.
Ginger — fresh ginger, tea, or standardized supplements often help mild nausea. It’s safe for many people and worth trying for morning sickness or motion sickness.
Meclizine — over-the-counter for motion sickness and vertigo-related nausea. It can cause sleepiness, so don’t drive after taking it until you know how it affects you.
Diet and habits — eat small, frequent meals, avoid greasy or spicy food, stay hydrated, and sit upright after eating. For gastroparesis, try low-fat, low-fiber meals and softer foods that move faster through the stomach.
Acupressure and controlled breathing — wrist acupressure bands (P6 point) and slow breathing help some people reduce nausea during travel or pregnancy.
How to pick the right option: match the cause of your nausea to the treatment. Motion sickness responds to meclizine or acupressure. Chemotherapy nausea needs stronger drugs like ondansetron. Gastroparesis may call for prokinetics like metoclopramide or erythromycin. Always tell your doctor about heart conditions, current medicines, and pregnancy before starting a new drug.
If Motilium was stopped because of safety concerns, ask your clinician about an ECG or drug interaction check before switching. And if nausea persists despite these steps, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist — persistent symptoms deserve a focused workup.
Explore effective alternatives to Motilium for managing nausea and related symptoms. This guide delves into various medications like Metoclopramide and Serotonin blockers, examining their benefits and potential drawbacks. Discover customized solutions for conditions like gastroparesis and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Tailor your approach to treatment with comprehensive insights into each option.