Domperidone is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gut, which helps to speed up the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, reducing feelings of nausea. Typically taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals, Domperidone is available in tablet form and should not be used for more than seven days without medical advice. It is not suitable for individuals with certain heart conditions or severe liver problems, and caution is advised when taken alongside other medications.
Domperidone 10mg tablets contain domperidone, an active ingredient in a group of medications called ‘dopamine antagonists’. That means that domperidone doesn’t have a particular fondness for domperidone or, to be more precise, the domperidone receptor.
These tablets treat nausea and vomiting in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older, weighing 35 kg or more. Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the stomach and intestines, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms. It is often prescribed for conditions where delayed stomach emptying is causing discomfort, and it supports faster food movement through the digestive system.
What is the active ingredient in domperidone 10mg tablets
The active ingredient in each tablet is domperidone 10mg.
What is domperidone used for?
Domperidone is commonly used to manage digestive issues that result from conditions such as gastrointestinal motility disorders, and it can also be beneficial in alleviating nausea caused by medications, certain medical treatments, or specific illnesses.
How does domperidone work?
Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gut and the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. Specifically, it acts as a dopamine antagonist, preventing dopamine from interacting with its receptors. Think of dopamine as a key and its receptor as a lock, and domperidone sits in the lock and prevents dopamine from activating it.
Dopamine can slow down the movement of the stomach and intestines in the digestive system. By blocking dopamine's effect, domperidone helps to increase the contractions of the stomach and intestines, promoting the faster movement of food through the digestive tract.
This action reduces nausea, vomiting, and symptoms related to delayed gastric emptying, such as bloating and discomfort. Additionally, by acting on the part of the brain that controls vomiting (the chemoreceptor trigger zone), domperidone helps to prevent the sensation of nausea and the act of vomiting.
In summary, domperidone aids digestion and reduces nausea by increasing the stomach and intestines' movement while blocking the signals sent to the brain.
How to use domperidone tablets?
Always take Domperidone tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you're unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Duration of treatment: Your doctor will determine the length of time you need to take this medicine. Symptoms usually improve within 3-4 days of starting treatment. Do not use Domperidone for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
How to take domperidone:
Swallow the tablets whole with water.
Take the tablets 15 to 30 minutes before meals.
Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Recommended dosage:
Adults and adolescents (12 years and older, weighing 35 kg or more):
The usual dose is one tablet up to three times daily, preferably before meals. Do not exceed three tablets per day.
This product is not recommended for children under 12 years or those weighing less than 35 kg.
People with kidney problems: Your doctor may adjust your dosage or advise you to take the medication less frequently
If you take more domperidone tablets than you should:
If you have taken more Domperidone tablets than prescribed, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Take the packaging and any remaining tablets with you to help the medical staff understand what you’ve ingested.
In the event of an overdose, treatment may focus on managing symptoms. ECG monitoring may also be performed due to the possibility of a heart issue known as prolonged QT interval.
Signs of an overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, uncontrolled movements such as unusual eye movements, abnormal tongue movements, or changes in posture (e.g., twisted neck).
If you forget to take domperidone tablets:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Who should not take domperidone tablets?
Do not take domperidone tablets if:
Allergy: You are allergic (hypersensitive) to domperidone or any of the other ingredients in Domperidone 10mg tablets. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: You have black, tarry stools or notice blood in your stools, which could indicate bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Blockage or tear in intestines: You have an intestinal blockage or tear.
Prolactinoma: You have a tumour of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma).
Liver disease: You have moderate or severe liver disease.
Heart conditions: Your ECG shows a heart problem called “prolonged QT corrected interval.”
Heart failure: You have a condition where your heart cannot pump blood as well as it should (heart failure).
Electrolyte imbalance: You have a problem with low potassium or magnesium levels or high potassium levels in your blood.
Medication interactions: You are taking certain medications that interact with Domperidone (see “Other medicines and Domperidone tablets”).
If any of these apply to you, do not take Domperidone tablets. If you're unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking the medication.
Warnings and precautions:
Liver problems: If you have liver function impairment or failure, do not take Domperidone (see "Do not take Domperidone Tablets if").
Kidney problems: If you have kidney function impairment or failure, your doctor may recommend a lower dose or less frequent usage, especially for prolonged treatment.
Domperidone may increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest, particularly in individuals over 60 or those taking more than 30mg per day. The risk is higher when taken with certain medications. Report symptoms like heart palpitations, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness to your doctor, and discontinue Domperidone immediately if these occur.
Special considerations:
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Domperidone is not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential heart-related side effects in the infant.
Driving: Domperidone may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Sodium content: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium per tablet, meaning it is essentially sodium-free.
What are the side effects of domperidone?
Like all medicines, Domperidone Tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Stop taking domperidone and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, or throat may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. You may also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria), which could indicate an allergic reaction.
Uncontrolled movements such as irregular eye movements, unusual tongue movements, abnormal posture (e.g., a twisted neck), trembling, or muscle stiffness. These symptoms should cease once you stop taking Domperidone.
A very fast or irregular heartbeat could be a sign of a life-threatening heart condition.
Seizures (fits).
Other side effects:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Dry mouth
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Reduced sexual drive (libido) in men
Feeling anxious, agitated, or irritable
Nervousness
Drowsiness
Headaches
Diarrhoea
Itchy skin or rash
Unusual production of breast milk in men and women
Breast pain or tenderness
General weakness
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data):
Heart rhythm disorders (rapid or irregular heartbeat); stop treatment immediately if this occurs. The risk of heart rhythm problems and cardiac arrest may be higher in people over 60 or those taking doses higher than 30 mg per day.
Abnormal eye movements
Restless legs syndrome (a strong urge to move your limbs)
Inability to urinate
Breast enlargement in men
Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
Changes in liver function (detected through blood tests)
Some patients who have taken Domperidone for longer periods and under medical supervision may experience additional effects such as restlessness, swollen or enlarged breasts, unusual breast discharge, irregular menstrual periods in women, difficulty breastfeeding, depression, and hypersensitivity.
Reporting side effects:
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed here, speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information about the safety of this medicine.
Does domperidone interact with other medicines?
Avoid domperidone if you're taking:
Antifungals: Oral ketoconazole, fluconazole, or voriconazole.
Cancer treatments: Toremifene, vandetanib, vincamine.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Domperidone with any of these medications.
Frequently asked questions
What is domperidone used for?
Domperidone is primarily used to treat nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older and weighing 35 kg or more. It works by helping food move more easily through your stomach, which reduces feelings of nausea.
How does domperidone work?
Domperidone works as a dopamine antagonist. It blocks dopamine receptors in the gut, which helps to speed up the passage of food through the stomach and intestines, reducing nausea and vomiting.
How should I take domperidone?
Domperidone tablets should be taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals. The usual dose for adults and adolescents is one tablet up to three times a day. Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew the tablets. Do not take more than three tablets per day unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Can children take domperidone?
Domperidone is not recommended for children under 12 years of age or adolescents who weigh less than 35 kg, as it has not been shown to be effective in these age groups.
What are the most common side effects of domperidone?
Common side effects of Domperidone include dry mouth, headaches, diarrhoea, and drowsiness. If you experience any severe side effects such as irregular heartbeats, swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing, stop taking Domperidone and seek medical attention immediately.
Can I take domperidone with other medications?
Domperidone can interact with certain medications, especially those used to treat fungal infections, bacterial infections, heart problems, and depression. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other medications to avoid interactions.
Is domperidone safe for long-term use?
Domperidone is generally not recommended for long-term use. Treatment should typically last for no more than 7 days unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Prolonged use may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
Who should not take domperidone?
People with certain health conditions such as severe liver disease, heart conditions (e.g., prolonged QT interval), or those with a history of allergic reactions to Domperidone should avoid taking this medication. Consult your doctor before starting treatment if you are unsure.
Can I take domperidone during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Domperidone is not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor. Small amounts of the drug may pass into breast milk, so it is best to avoid using Domperidone while breastfeeding unless your doctor believes it is necessary.
What should I do if I miss a dose of domperidone?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed one.
