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- Domperidone 10mg Tablets
Domperidone 10mg Tablets are a prescription-only anti-sickness medicine used for the short-term relief of nausea and vomiting.
Domperidone belongs to a group of medicines called dopamine antagonists. It works by blocking certain dopamine receptors involved in triggering nausea and vomiting. It also affects movement in the upper digestive system.
Treatment should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, usually no longer than seven days.
Domperidone is not suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain heart conditions, liver problems or those taking medicines that can affect heart rhythm.
What Is Domperidone 10mg Used For?
Domperidone is licensed for the relief of symptoms of:
- Nausea: Feeling sick or experiencing the urge to vomit.
- Vomiting: Being sick or bringing up stomach contents.
A prescriber should assess the likely cause of symptoms before deciding whether domperidone is appropriate.
Domperidone is not routinely recommended for indigestion, acid reflux, bloating or general stomach discomfort. Its UK licensed indication is restricted to nausea and vomiting.
Key Benefits
Relieves Nausea
Domperidone helps reduce the sensation of feeling sick by acting on dopamine receptors involved in the vomiting response.
Helps Control Vomiting
It may reduce episodes of vomiting when prescribed for an appropriate underlying cause.
Oral Tablet Formulation
The 10mg tablet can be swallowed with water, generally before meals.
Short-Term Treatment
Domperidone is intended for short courses, helping minimise unnecessary exposure to its potential side effects.
Pregnancy
Domperidone should only be used during pregnancy when a prescriber considers it clinically appropriate. Other treatments may be preferred depending on the circumstances.
Breastfeeding
Domperidone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It should not be used without medical assessment.
Domperidone is sometimes prescribed outside its licensed indication to support milk production, but this requires specialist consideration and should not be advertised as a routine use of this product.
For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over who weigh at least 35kg:
- Take one 10mg tablet when prescribed.
- The medicine may be taken up to three times daily.
- Maximum daily dose: 30mg (three tablets).
- Treatment should usually last no longer than seven days.
The exact dose and duration must follow the prescription.
Directions
- Take the tablet with water.
- Domperidone is usually taken 15–30 minutes before meals.
- Space doses according to the prescriber's instructions.
- Do not take more than three 10mg tablets within 24 hours.
- Do not extend treatment beyond the prescribed duration without medical review.
Missed Dose
If you forget a dose, skip it if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
How Quickly Does Domperidone Work?
Domperidone usually starts working within approximately 30–60 minutes, although individual responses vary.
Who Should Not Take Domperidone?
Domperidone must not be used in certain circumstances, including:
- Allergy to domperidone or another tablet ingredient.
- Known prolonged QT interval or certain other heart rhythm disorders.
- Significant heart disease, including heart failure.
- Significant disturbances in potassium or magnesium levels.
- Moderate or severe liver impairment.
- A prolactin-releasing pituitary tumour.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, obstruction or perforation.
- Use of certain interacting medicines that increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes.
- Patients with kidney impairment, those aged over 60 and those with other relevant medical conditions require particular assessment.
Important Drug Interactions
Domperidone can interact with medicines that prolong the QT interval or increase domperidone levels in the blood.
Examples include certain:
- Antibiotics, including erythromycin and clarithromycin.
- Antifungal medicines, particularly some azole antifungals.
- Medicines for abnormal heart rhythms.
- Antidepressants, including citalopram and escitalopram.
- Antipsychotic medicines.
- HIV treatments.
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm or domperidone metabolism.
This is not a complete interaction list. A prescriber or pharmacist must review all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements before supply.
Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth.
- Other Possible Side Effects
- Headache.
- Dizziness or drowsiness.
- Diarrhoea.
- Breast tenderness or milk production.
- Changes in menstrual periods.
- Restlessness.
- Allergic reactions.
Serious Side Effects
Domperidone can rarely cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Stop taking domperidone and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Fainting or unexplained loss of consciousness.
- Severe dizziness associated with palpitations.
- Chest pain or other symptoms suggesting a serious heart problem.
Seek emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Domperidone 10mg?
Domperidone 10mg is a prescription-only anti-sickness medicine used for short-term relief of nausea and vomiting.
What is domperidone used for?
Its licensed UK indication is the relief of symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
How does domperidone work?
It blocks dopamine receptors involved in the vomiting response and also influences movement in the upper digestive system.
How quickly does domperidone work?
It usually starts working within around 30–60 minutes.
Should I take domperidone before or after food?
It is usually recommended 15–30 minutes before meals.
How long can I take domperidone?
Treatment should normally not exceed seven days.
