Domperidone — what it does and what you must know

Domperidone is a prokinetic and anti-nausea medicine used for stomach emptying problems, nausea, and sometimes off-label to boost breast milk. It can help when food feels stuck, when you have bloating from slow stomach emptying, or when nausea won’t quit. But domperidone isn’t risk-free — the main worry is its effect on the heart rhythm, so you need to be careful.

How people typically use domperidone

Doctors usually prescribe domperidone for short-term relief of nausea and gastroparesis symptoms. A common adult dose is 10 mg taken three times a day before meals, with a typical daily maximum of 30 mg. That limit matters: higher doses raise the chance of dangerous QT prolongation, which can cause fast or irregular heartbeats.

Some lactating parents use domperidone off-label to increase milk supply. If you’re thinking about that, talk to your OB/GYN or a lactation consultant first. They’ll weigh potential benefits against heart risks and drug interactions.

Safety tips, side effects, and interactions

Common side effects are mild: dry mouth, stomach cramps, headache, or dizziness. Less common but serious problems involve the heart — irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden palpitations. If you feel chest pain, faint, or notice very fast heartbeats, stop the drug and get medical care.

Avoid domperidone if you already have heart disease, low potassium or magnesium, or if you’re taking other medicines that prolong the QT interval. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — like certain antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin), and some HIV drugs — can raise domperidone levels and increase risk. Always tell your prescriber about every medication and supplement you take.

Domperidone is not approved for routine use in some countries, including the United States, because of cardiac safety concerns. In places where it is available, regulators advise using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and checking the heart in higher-risk patients (for example, with an ECG).

Practical buying and use tips: get a prescription from a licensed clinician, buy from verified pharmacies, and avoid vendors that don’t require a prescription. If you order online, look for pharmacy verification seals and clear contact info. Don’t mix domperidone with unknown supplements or other QT-prolonging drugs.

Want help deciding? Ask your doctor for a simple risk check: heart history, current meds, and whether an ECG is needed. If domperidone is chosen, start at 10 mg before meals, watch for any weird heart symptoms, and keep follow-up easy and quick.

Need more reading? Search our site for related posts on nausea treatments, alternative prokinetics, or tips for safe online pharmacies. Your safety matters more than a quick fix — use domperidone only with clear medical advice.