Domperidone 10mg Tablets

What are Domperidone 10mg tablets?

Domperidone 10mg tablets belong to a group of medicines known as antiemetic drugs. They are taken to stop you from feeling sick or needing to vomit.

Domperidone can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12 years.

This medicine comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow. You can only buy Domperidone when you have a prescription.

What are Domperidone 10mg tablets used to treat?

Domperidone is used as a treatment for nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to alleviate stomach pain if you are having end-of-life care (palliative care).

Domperidone is sometimes prescribed to increase milk supply in women who are finding it difficult to breastfeed. However, it will only be prescribed for this problem if other treatments have failed to work effectively.

Why is Domperidone recommended for nausea?

Clinical studies conclude that Domperidone is a very effective medicine for the treatment of nausea caused by a number of triggers. Research has also shown that it is more effective than several other medicines prescribed for the same problem. 

Additionally, the same study showed that the risk of side effects is relatively small. 

How does Domperidone treat nausea?

Domperidone works by blocking the messages that are passed between the brain and the digestive system. This causes the muscles at the exit of your stomach to relax, reducing the likelihood of you needing to vomit.

Domperidone is also able to block messages sent between parts of your brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and the vomiting centre. This helps to relieve nausea and stop you from vomiting.

This medicine gets to work after around 30 to 60 minutes.

Who can take Domperidone tablets?

Domperidone is an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, but it may not be suitable for everyone to use.

You should inform your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you before you start to use this medicine:

• You weigh less than 35kg
• You have ever had bleeding from your stomach or gut
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to domperidone or any other medicine in the past
• You have any conditions caused by a bowel obstruction, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
• You have a tumour in your pituitary gland
• You have an irregular heartbeat
• You have liver, kidney or heart problems
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have recently had abdominal surgery

You are not normally advised to take this medicine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for full warnings.

Can you buy Domperidone tablets over the counter?

You cannot buy Domperidone 10mg tablets over the counter; it is a prescription-only medicine. You can only buy Domperidone if you have been prescribed it by a UK doctor or prescriber.

Up until 2014, you could buy Domperidone over the counter, but it was reclassified as prescription-only that year.

Can you buy Domperidone online in the UK?

You can buy Domperidone 10mg tablets online in the UK from most online pharmacies. You will need to complete an online consultation so a doctor or prescriber can assess your medical condition to ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Domperidone alternatives 

There are several different anti-sickness medicines available from Medicine Direct, which work in similar ways to relieve nausea and vomiting. There isn’t enough evidence to prove that one particular medicine is the most effective at relieving these symptoms, so you might need to try more than one to find the best treatment for you.

Prochlorperazine 5mg tablets are a widely prescribed medication to ease the symptoms of nausea. This medicine works to block the dopamine receptors in the nausea-causing part of the brain. Prochlorperazine comes as tablets and also as buccal tablets, which dissolve in the mouth and are ideal for people who have trouble swallowing medicine. They are also available in the branded version, Stemetil 5mg tablets.

Cyclizine works in a similar way to Domperidone and also provides relief after 30 to 60 minutes.

Domperidone dose

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Domperidone. 

The usual dose for adults and children over 12 is one tablet up to three times a day.

Do not take more than three tablets a day.

Your dose may be lowered by your doctor if you have any kidney problems.

How to take Domperidone

Swallow Domperidone tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Take the tablets between 15 and 30 minutes before you eat a meal.

How long you need to use Domperidone will be decided on by your doctor. Most people find that their symptoms are cured within 3-4 days. Do not take this medicine for longer than 7 days without speaking to your doctor.

Refer to the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

Domperidone Side Effects

Common side effects

• Feelings of nervousness, anxiety or agitation
• A decreased sex drive or loss of interest in sex altogether
• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Headaches
• Hives
• Painful or tender breasts
• Feeling dizzy
• Sleepiness
• Milk discharge from your breasts
• Feeling weak
• Itchiness

We recommend you read the patient information leaflet before using this medicine. You can find the patient information leaflet located inside your box of medicine also.

Domperidone warnings and drug interactions

Domperidone can interact with certain drugs when used at the same time, which can hinder its effectiveness and also increase your risk of side effects.

Mayo Clinic explains the things you need to consider before taking Domperidone, including a list of medicines that interact with Domperidone.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Domperidone is not normally recommended for women who are currently pregnant.

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before you use this medicine.

If you are seeking this medicine to treat morning sickness, Cyclizine Hydrochloride tablets are typically a better alternative to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.

Domperidone is not recommended for women who are currently breastfeeding, because it passes into breast milk in small quantities. You should speak to your doctor for more information, as alternative medicines may be more suitable for you.

Domperidone is sometimes prescribed to increase a woman's milk supply, but research has shown that this can give your baby an irregular heartbeat. Speak to your doctor about the possible benefits and health risks associated with taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Please note that Medicine Direct does not prescribe Domperidone for increasing breastmilk.

Domperidone Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Domperidone maleate.

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Domperidone online in the UK?