Domperidone
In brief
- Domperidone is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, with restrictions on dose and duration because of the risk of heart rhythm problems.
- Domperidone is used to relieve nausea and vomiting, and sometimes symptoms of dyspepsia or bloating. It works mainly as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, helping to speed up gastric emptying and reducing the sensation of sickness.
- The usual adult dose is 10 mg up to three times a day, typically before meals. The dose and duration should be as short as possible, and children under 12 years or under 35 kg should not usually take it.
- Domperidone is available as tablets and as an oral suspension. Common strengths include 10 mg tablets and a 1 mg/mL liquid formulation.
- It usually starts working within about 30 to 60 minutes after taking a dose.
- The effect generally lasts for around 4 to 6 hours.
- Avoid alcohol, as it may worsen dizziness and stomach upset and can make side effects more likely.
- The most common side effects are dry mouth, headache, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.
- Would you like to try domperidone without a prescription?
Basic domperidone information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Domperidone
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Motilium, domperidone tablets
- ATC code: A03FA03
- Forms and dosages: 10 mg tablets, 1 mg/mL oral suspension
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Janssen-Cilag, Teva Pharma, Sandoz, Sanofi
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Prescription only, restricted by MHRA guidance
- OTC / Rx classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Domperidone at a glance
In the UK, domperidone is sold as Motilium or as generic domperidone tablets, with an oral suspension available for people who cannot swallow tablets.
It is used as an anti-sickness medicine for short-term treatment of nausea, vomiting, or unpleasant fullness after meals.
Common UK product names and pack formats
- Motilium.
- Domperidone 10 mg tablets.
- 1 mg/mL oral suspension.
- Blister packs and strip packs for tablets.
Quick facts
INN: Domperidone.
ATC: A03FA03.
Main use area: functional gastrointestinal disorders.
What domperidone is used for
Domperidone is classed as a drug for functional gastrointestinal disorders, and it acts as a peristaltic stimulant and antiemetic.
In UK use, it is generally prescribed as a short course and restricted to specific situations.
Nausea and vomiting
- Nausea
- A feeling of sickness that may or may not lead to vomiting.
- Vomiting
- When stomach contents come back up, sometimes repeatedly.
Dyspepsia, bloating and early satiety
Feeling full after a few bites, bloated all day, or as if the stomach is not moving properly are the kinds of complaints where gastric motility is considered.
How domperidone works
It helps the stomach and gut move better, and it can settle sickness.
Domperidone sits under the ATC group for alimentary tract and metabolism, and its code A03FA03 reflects that digestive focus.
Dopamine blockade and why that helps symptoms
It blocks dopamine receptors.
That helps reduce sickness signals and supports gut motility.
Patients may notice symptom relief rather than a dramatic “kick in” feeling.
Why it is used for gut-related symptoms rather than all causes of sickness
This is a dopamine antagonist and a prokinetic medicine, so it is used where the problem is linked to nausea, vomiting, or slow stomach movement.
It is not a universal fix for every cause of sickness.
What onset and duration feel like for patients
Many patients describe a gradual easing rather than an instant change.
The aim is symptom control over a short period, not long-term use without review.
Available forms, strengths and pack sizes
Domperidone comes as tablets and as an oral suspension for people who cannot swallow tablets.
10 mg tablets and typical blister pack sizes
| Form | Strength | Typical pack size |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet | 10 mg | 10, 20, 30 or 100 units |
| Oral suspension | 1 mg/mL | 30 mL or 60 mL bottles |
Oral suspension for swallowing difficulties
The oral suspension is a liquid medicine that is easier to measure.
These liquid forms matter when swallowing is difficult or when a prescriber chooses a measured dose rather than a tablet.
Brand names
Domperidone is sold in the UK as Motilium and as generic domperidone tablets and suspension. The active ingredient is the same whichever name is on the pack.
Who makes domperidone
Original and multinational manufacturers
- Janssen-Cilag.
- Teva Pharma.
- Sandoz.
- Sanofi.
Legal status and MHRA restrictions in the UK
For UK patients, the biggest practical point is that domperidone is not treated like an everyday over-the-counter stomach remedy.
It is prescription-only, and MHRA restrictions shape how it is used.
Why domperidone is prescription-only in UK practice
- NHS prescription
- Issued through the NHS when a clinician decides it is appropriate.
- Private prescription
- Issued outside the NHS, often when a patient pays privately.
- E-prescription
- Electronic prescribing used by many UK services and pharmacies.
MHRA restrictions on dose and duration
The UK position is restricted use, with limits on dose and duration for certain indications.
It is meant for short-course use rather than ongoing self-treatment.
NHS prescription, private prescription and electronic prescribing
A GP or prescriber decides if domperidone is suitable.
The prescription may be sent electronically.
In our online pharmacy, domperidone is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
How to take domperidone safely
Standard adult dosing and timing before meals
| Indication | Adults | Adolescents aged 12 years and over weighing 35 kg or more |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea/vomiting, dyspepsia | 10 mg three times daily | 10 mg three times daily |
What to do if a dose is missed
- Take the next dose at the usual time.
- Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
- If vomiting continues, seek pharmacy advice.
Why duration matters
Domperidone is meant as a short course in UK practice, not an open-ended medicine for every upset stomach.
If symptoms are not settling, the cause needs checking rather than simply extending treatment.
Children and liquid forms
A liquid is easier to measure than a tablet and can be swallowed more safely by people who cannot take tablets.
Liquid forms
- Oral suspension
- A liquid form, usually 1 mg/mL, used when a measured dose is needed.
- Dose measurement
- The exact amount given using a syringe or other measuring device.
Age, weight and prescribing caution
In the UK, domperidone is licensed for adolescents aged 12 years and over weighing 35 kg or more.
For younger children, careful prescriber review is essential.
Measuring accurately and storage basics
Use the supplied oral syringe or measuring device.
Do not estimate doses with a kitchen spoon.
Check the bottle strength before measuring a dose.
Side effects
Common effects
- Headache.
- Dry mouth.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Feeling generally unwell.
When side effects mean the medicine should be stopped and reviewed
Stop and get urgent advice if symptoms feel severe.
Ask for prompt review if side effects do not settle or if the medicine seems to make things worse.
Heart-related symptoms always need careful checking.
Cardiac risk, drug interactions and who should avoid domperidone
Heart rhythm risk is the main reason domperidone is handled cautiously in the UK.
That changes the risk-benefit view, especially when other medicines are involved.
Why heart rhythm risk changes the UK risk-benefit view
Domperidone has been restricted in UK practice because cardiac safety matters.
Interactions that matter in real prescribing and pharmacy checks
| Interaction category | Why it matters | Pharmacy action |
|---|---|---|
| QT prolongation risk | May increase heart rhythm concern | Check medicines carefully |
| Drug interaction | Can change safety or effect | Review the full list of medicines |
| Multiple prescribers | Raises the chance of missed interaction | Ask about NHS and private treatments |
Higher-Risk patients and why review is important
- Contraindications
- Situations where the medicine should not be used.
- Caution groups
- Patients needing extra review before supply.
- Pharmacy screening
- Checking the medicine list, symptoms and suitability before supply.
Anyone with a heart history, interacting medicines, or repeated symptoms should be referred for review rather than treated as a routine request.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | North West England | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | North West England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | North East England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | East Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Leicester | East Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Coventry | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
Key points
Domperidone is a useful medicine when the problem is nausea, vomiting, or certain stomach-motility complaints, but it is not a casual long-term remedy.
In UK practice, the key points are short-course use, prescription-only supply, and careful screening for cardiac risk and interactions.
If the medicine matches the symptoms and the formulation is right, a pharmacist can help guide the choice between domperidone tablets and oral suspension.
