What It Is Used For
Domperidone relieves nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. It works by helping the stomach empty faster.
How to Take It
Adults and children aged 12 or over who weigh at least 35 kg: 10 mg up to 3 times a day, 15 to 30 minutes before meals. Do not take more than 30 mg a day, and do not use it for more than 7 days without your doctor’s advice. Children under 35 kg use the liquid, with the dose worked out by the doctor from body weight.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to domperidone, have a heart rhythm problem (such as a long QT interval), moderate or severe liver disease, a prolactin-producing pituitary tumour, or bleeding, blockage or a tear in the stomach or gut. Do not take it with ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin or other medicines that strongly affect heart rhythm.
Side Effects
Common: dry mouth, headache and diarrhoea. Less common: breast swelling or tenderness, milk leaking from the breasts, and missed or irregular periods. Rarely it can cause an irregular heartbeat. Get medical help straight away if you feel your heart racing or fluttering, faint, or have fits.
Precautions
The risk to the heart is higher in people over 60, at doses above 30 mg a day, and with some other medicines. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney problems, or low potassium or magnesium.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy unless your doctor advises it. Small amounts pass into breast milk, so ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Many medicines can increase domperidone levels or add to its effect on heart rhythm, including some antifungals, antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin), HIV medicines, amiodarone and some antidepressants. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.