Domperidone is a medicine that helps with nausea, vomiting and slow stomach emptying. It speeds up how food moves through your gut and can calm nausea fast. That makes it useful for people with gastroparesis, those on some medications that cause nausea, and sometimes for off-label uses like helping with milk supply in breastfeeding. Sounds helpful, right? But there are safety issues you should know about before using it.
Typical adult dosing is 10 mg taken three times a day about 15–30 minutes before meals. Many doctors limit total daily dose to 30 mg, though some guidelines and regulators recommend staying at or below 20 mg/day because of cardiac risk. Use is usually short-term—days to weeks—unless your doctor decides longer treatment is needed and monitors you closely.
In some countries domperidone is a prescription drug. In the United States it’s not generally approved by the FDA for routine use, though clinicians may access it in limited ways. Always follow a prescriber’s instructions rather than self-medicating.
Big safety point: domperidone can affect the heart. It may prolong the QT interval on an ECG, which raises the risk of irregular heartbeats. If you have a history of heart disease, low potassium or magnesium, or take other drugs that lengthen QT, domperidone may not be safe for you.
Watch out for interactions. Drugs that block CYP3A4 (like ketoconazole, some macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, and certain antifungals) can raise domperidone levels and increase heart risk. Also avoid combining it with other QT-prolonging medicines when possible.
Common side effects are dry mouth, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or headache. Any sudden palpitations, fainting, severe dizziness, or chest pain need immediate medical attention.
For breastfeeding moms: some doctors prescribe domperidone off-label to boost milk supply. Evidence shows it can help, but safety concerns about heart effects mean this should only happen after a careful risk-benefit discussion and follow-up with your clinician.
Before you start domperidone, tell your provider about all meds, supplements, and health issues. If you’re prescribed higher doses or long-term treatment, ask about baseline and follow-up ECGs and checks of electrolytes.
Buying tip: only use reputable pharmacies and always get a prescription when required. Avoid unverified online sellers that don’t ask for a prescription—medicine quality and safety can’t be guaranteed. If you’re unsure, contact a pharmacist or reach out to your doctor for guidance.
If domperidone is being suggested to you, ask clear questions: Why this drug over others? What dose and for how long? What symptoms would mean we should stop it? That simple talk can keep you safer and more confident with treatment.
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