Domperidone
A prokinetic medication that increases stomach and intestinal movement, primarily used to treat nausea, vomiting, bloating, and discomfort.
Domperidone is a stomach motility enhancer used to relieve nausea and digestive discomfort.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A03FA03
- RxNorm
- 3626
- Generic
- Domperidone
- Class
- atc-a03
- Brands
- Equidone
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- tablet, gel, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh risks, avoid prolonged use
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid high doses and prolonged use
avoid use close to delivery due to potential effects on infant
fetal monitoring near term
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or use lowest effective dose
domperidone passes into breast milk, avoid breastfeeding during treatment or discontinue drug
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lowest dose, consider renal function
use with caution due to increased risk of cardiac side effects, monitor ECG in patients with underlying heart conditions
regular cardiac monitoring, check renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing, maximum 30mg per day for children
use only for approved indications, avoid in children with cardiac conditions
monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and cardiac effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to once daily
use with extreme caution, monitor renal function closely
regular renal function tests, ECG monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with caution, avoid in severe hepatic impairment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information - Domperidone has been available since the late 1970s for nausea and vomiting treatment
Drug class
Drug class information - ATC code A03FA03
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for Domperidone as a prokinetic and antiemetic
Domperidone is used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly when caused by chemotherapy, Parkinson's disease, or other conditions. It also helps relieve symptoms of functional dyspepsia such as bloating, early satiety, and epigastric discomfort.
Domperidone is a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the gut, which increases gastric contractions and accelerates stomach emptying. Additionally, it blocks dopamine in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting signals.
Domperidone should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. It carries a risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias, particularly in patients with underlying heart conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs. Common side effects may include headache, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding requires careful consideration of risks versus benefits.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy