Motilium® (Domperidone) Tablets for Nausea and Gastroparesis

What Domperidone Is and How It Works

Domperidone is a prescription prokinetic and antiemetic. It is used to relieve nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, and symptoms linked to delayed gastric emptying. Many people explore buying domperidone to help manage gastroparesis symptoms or recurrent nausea when other options are not tolerated. Domperidone is not approved in the United States, but it is available by prescription in Canada.

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Domperidone works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors outside the brain. This increases stomach and intestinal movement and helps food pass through more easily. It can also reduce nausea and vomiting by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone with minimal central nervous system penetration. A known effect is increased prolactin levels, which is why some clinicians discuss its off-label role in lactation support. The most common form is a domperidone 10 mg tablet, usually taken before meals. Typical dosing is several times per day for short-term symptom control. For related topics, see Nausea and Vomiting, and indigestion symptoms within Indigestion.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult regimen: domperidone 10 mg three times daily, taken 15–30 minutes before meals.
• Some patients use a fourth dose at bedtime if prescribed. Current Canadian guidance generally limits total daily dose to 30 mg.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, under medical supervision.
• Swallow each domperidone tablet with water. Do not crush unless your prescriber agrees.
• If a dose is missed and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, clarithromycin) and other QT‑prolonging drugs increase cardiac risk with domperidone.
• For off-label uses such as domperidone for milk supply or domperidone for induced lactation, prescribers may choose short courses (often using a domperidone 10 mg tablet several times a day) with careful monitoring and tapering.

• Storage: keep tablets in the original container at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F), dry, and away from light.
• Do not store in the bathroom. Protect from moisture and heat.
• Travel: carry your medication in hand luggage with your prescription. Keep in original labeled packaging.
• If you experience delays, continue normal dosing times aligned to your new time zone as advised by your prescriber.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Domperidone targets symptoms by improving gastric emptying and gut motility. Many patients report fewer vomiting episodes, less nausea, and improved meal tolerance. It has limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, so central nervous system side effects are usually less frequent than with some alternatives. Tablets are small and simple to schedule before meals, which supports adherence.

Buying domperidone online through YouDrugstore offers access to Canadian pricing. Typical savings are 60–80% compared with common US cash prices, depending on strength and pack size. You can set gentle reorder reminders in your account. Multi‑month supplies and bulk promotions can lower the per‑month cost of therapy.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache, dizziness, or dry mouth
• Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or constipation
• Breast tenderness or milk discharge related to increased prolactin
• Menstrual irregularities
• Rash or itching

Serious cardiac risks are uncommon but important. Domperidone can prolong the QT interval and has been associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, especially at doses above 30 mg/day, in patients over 60, or when combined with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or other QT‑prolonging agents. People with existing prolonged QT, electrolyte abnormalities, or significant heart disease face higher risk. Extrapyramidal effects are rare due to limited brain penetration but can occur. Seek urgent care for fainting, palpitations, severe dizziness, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or breathing difficulty.

Onset Time

Relief of nausea may begin within the first few doses, often within several hours. Improvements in early satiety and post‑meal fullness usually develop over several days as dosing stabilizes. For gastroparesis, symptom control and meal tolerance can continue to improve over 1–2 weeks with consistent use. When used off‑label for lactation support, changes in milk production may appear within 3–7 days and may continue over 2–4 weeks, depending on the clinical plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Metoclopramide is another dopamine antagonist used for gastroparesis and nausea. It crosses the blood–brain barrier, so central effects such as drowsiness and the risk of tardive dyskinesia limit long‑term use. Some patients who do not tolerate metoclopramide may respond to domperidone due to fewer central nervous system effects.

Ondansetron blocks serotonin (5‑HT3) receptors and is effective for chemotherapy‑induced or postoperative nausea and vomiting. It does not speed gastric emptying, so it is often considered when vomiting is prominent or for short‑term rescue, not as a prokinetic for gastroparesis.

Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin have prokinetic activity through motilin receptor agonism. They may be used short term but can lose effect with time and have their own interaction profile. Choice of therapy depends on symptom pattern, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Combination Therapy

• Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers may be paired with domperidone when reflux or heartburn coexists.
• Rescue antiemetics (for example, ondansetron) can be used intermittently. Avoid overlapping QT‑prolonging agents when possible.
• People with diabetic gastroparesis may use domperidone alongside diabetes therapies. Dose adjustments of other drugs may be needed per prescriber guidance.
• Separate antacids and domperidone by at least one hour to avoid absorption issues.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Domperidone may suit adults with functional dyspepsia, post‑meal fullness, or gastroparesis when non‑drug measures have not sufficed. It is prescription‑only in Canada. It should not be used by patients with known prolonged QT, significant arrhythmias, moderate or severe liver impairment, or in those taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or other drugs that prolong QT. Older adults have increased cardiac risk and often start at the lowest dose.

During pregnancy, clinicians weigh potential benefits and risks. Domperidone passes into breastmilk in small amounts; decisions around domperidone breastfeeding use and domperidone for milk production are individualized and supervised by a qualified provider. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase domperidone levels and are generally avoided. Report palpitations, fainting, or severe dizziness promptly.

To help manage costs, compare domperidone price by pack size. Larger quantities can reduce the monthly cost where appropriate. You can place one order for several months of therapy when your prescription allows, which may decrease shipping fees per month. Set reorder reminders so you do not run out during travel or busy periods.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Product Monograph for Domperidone

Manufacturer Information for Motilium (Domperidone)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Domperidone

Order domperidone from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express handling.

This material is educational and does not replace advice from your health professional. Always follow the directions and warnings provided by your prescriber and pharmacist.