Domperidone (Motilium): Uses, Side effects, Dosage, Interactions

Domperidone (Brand Name: Motilium) is a dopamine receptor blocker that speeds gastrointestinal peristalsis, causes prolactin release, and is used as an antiemetic. 

Domperidone is a medicine that can be used to stop nausea and vomiting and treat stomach pain in some cases.

If you’re having trouble breastfeeding but don’t want other options like medicine or surgery (which may cause further complications), your doctor might prescribe Domperidone for an increased milk supply.

Domperidone is only available on prescription because of its potential side effects, such as dry mouth if taken regularly.

You will need to take it three times a day before the meals (which work best), but usually, people take it when they need it.

Domperidone is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet
Motilium Tablets
Motilium Tablets
  • Suspension
Motilium Syrup
Motilium Syrup

Motilium (Domperidone) Uses

Let’s take a look at some of the common uses of Domperidone. 

  • Motilium is a medication that increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestine.
  • Domperidone is additionally used to treat nausea and emesis caused by other medicine.
  • It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease such as levodopa, pramipexole, and apomorphine.
  • It is used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Motilium can also be used in epigastric pain.
  • It can also be used to treat dyspepsia and heartburn.

Mechanism Of Action Of Motilium

  • Motilium works by blocking chemicals in the brain and the intestine. This causes improved movements and faster gastric emptying, which helps in the prevention of vomiting.
  • Domperidone is associated with its dopamine receptor obstruction activity at both the receptor trigger zone and the gastric level. it’s robust affinities for the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors that are found within the chemoreceptor trigger zone placed simply outside the blood-brain barrier, which – among others – regulates nausea and emesis

Domperidone Dosage—Direction For Use

Take this medicine orally as it is usually prescribed 30 minutes before eating and at bedtime. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than stated. Your condition does not get better faster, but it increases the risk of side effects.

There are two dosage forms of Domperidone.

One is a tablet, and the other is a liquid dosage form.

So, you will need to take the whole tablet without crushing or chewing it. The usual recommended dose of Motilium 10mg tablet is three times a day and the maximum dosage per day is 30 mg. 

While in case of liquid dosage form, you will need to take 1-2 tablespoons full three times a day, or your pharmacist will optimize the dosage according to your needs.

There is a chance you may forget to take your Domperidone. If this happens, it’s best not to miss any doses and take the next one at its usual time frame. Do not double up on medicine; doing so could cause side effects such as stomach cramps or headaches.

However, there are some risks associated with taking too much Domperidone, which include: many people will experience after consuming more than their prescribed dose could either result in a dangerous and irregular heartbeat.

The duration of therapy is one week, and the maximum treatment should not exceed seven days. 


Motilium Side effects

Side effects related to Domperidone (Motilium) include;

  • Abdominal cramps,
  • Dry mouth,
  • Diarrhea,
  • Nausea,
  • Rash,
  • Itching,
  • Hives,
  • Breast enlargement,
  • Galactorrhea,
  • Breast pain/tenderness,
  • Hypogonadism,
  • Gynecomastia, and
  • Menstrual irregularities).

Other less common side effects include

  • insomnia,
  • Drowsiness,
  • Akathisia,
  • Restlessness,
  • Lassitude,
  • Fatigue,
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms,
  • Dystonia,
  • Parkinsonian symptoms,
  • Tardive dyskinesia, and
  • Depression.

Motilium Contraindications 

Domperidone is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • It is not recommended if you have a known hypersensitivity to Domperidone or any excipients present in Motilium or any other brand.
  • In patients with moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction.
  • Concomitant use with potent inhibitors of CY3A4 (regardless of its QT prolongation effect)
  • Patients are already known to prolong cardiac conduction intervals, especially QTc, patients with significant electrolyte imbalance or heart disease such as heart failure.
  • A pituitary tumor that releases prolactin (prolactinoma)
  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, and heart problems.
  • It should not be used in gastrointestinal bleeding, mechanical obstruction, or perforation.
  • The tablets contain lactose and may not be suitable for patients with lactose intolerance, galactosemia, or glucose/galactose malabsorption.
  • Motilium should be used with caution in Children in People over 60 years of age.

Domperidone (Motilium) Use in Pregnancy

The safety of this medication throughout pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it mustn’t be utilized in pregnant women unless the potential advantages to the mother outweigh any risks to the developing baby.

It should only be used if the drug is considered essential by your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider for any recommendations.

Motilium Interactions With Other Drugs

Because it improves movement in the digestive tract, it can affect the absorption and effects of other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription medications you can take, including:

  • MAOIs (eg, Furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).
  • Concurrent use of Motilium with Ketoconazole or any other azole derivatives increases the level and causes cardiovascular side effects.
  • Avoid concurrent use of antiarrhythmics, some fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, beta-2 adrenergic agonists, antimalarials, SSRIs, tri/tetracyclic antidepressants, and nefazodone with Motilium as it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Do not start or stop medications without the approval of a doctor or pharmacist.

Motilium Dosage information

  • Take this medication orally as prescribed, usually half-hour before meals and at times of the day.
  • The dose for adults and young people aged over 16 years is 10 mg (one tablet) up to three times a day. Don’t take more than three doses in any 24 hours.
  • If it’s been prescribed for a toddler, the dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what the doctor said.
  • Don’t increase your dose or take this more typically than directed. Your condition won’t improve any faster however the chance of side effects will be increased.

How to Store Motilium?

Storage at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) protected from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.


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1 thought on “Domperidone (Motilium): Uses, Side effects, Dosage, Interactions”

  1. Apex Legends DPS

    This page definitely has all the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

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