Domperidone is a medicine that helps with nausea, vomiting and slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis). It can also boost prolactin, so some people use it off-label to increase breast milk. That benefit sounds great, but domperidone also carries real heart risks in certain people — so you need clear facts, not hype.
Domperidone blocks dopamine receptors in the gut, which speeds up stomach emptying and reduces nausea. Doctors commonly prescribe it for gastroparesis, chemotherapy-related nausea in some countries, or severe digestive discomfort. Some lactating parents use low-dose domperidone to help with milk supply, but that is off-label in many places.
It’s not approved everywhere. For example, some regulatory agencies restrict or do not approve domperidone for routine use because of safety concerns. Always check local rules and talk with your clinician.
Typical adult dosing is 10 mg taken before meals up to three times a day (max 30 mg/day). Doctors may use different doses for children, and dosing should be weight-based for pediatric use. Don’t exceed recommended doses or take it with drugs that raise domperidone levels without medical advice.
Main side effects are dry mouth, abdominal cramps, headache, and dizziness. The biggest concern is cardiac: domperidone can prolong the QT interval and raise the risk of serious arrhythmias, especially at higher doses, in older adults, or when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs.
Watch for interactions. Drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 — like certain antifungals (ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin), and some HIV meds — can raise domperidone blood levels and increase heart risk. Also avoid combining it with other QT-prolonging medicines and check potassium levels if you have conditions that affect electrolytes.
Before starting domperidone, tell your prescriber if you have heart disease, a history of arrhythmias, low potassium, or liver problems. In many cases clinicians will request an ECG before or during treatment to check the QT interval.
Buying tips: only use licensed pharmacies. If you’re considering online suppliers, verify they require a prescription, show clear contact info, and are properly accredited. Avoid sites that offer high doses without a doctor’s review. Counterfeit or expired meds are real risks with shady sellers.
Alternatives: for nausea, ask about ondansetron or metoclopramide; for motility issues, low-dose erythromycin is sometimes used short-term. For lactation, non-drug measures (pumping frequency, latch support) should be tried first and discussed with a lactation specialist before using medication.
Questions to ask your doctor: do I need an ECG? Is this approved where I live? Are there safer options for my age and health? Keep the conversation direct so you get the safest plan for your needs.
As a blogger, I recently came across an interesting topic - the connection between Domperidone and Gastroparesis. For those who might not be familiar, Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach cannot empty itself properly, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Domperidone, on the other hand, is a medication used to treat this condition by promoting gastric emptying and reducing nausea and vomiting. It's important to know that while Domperidone can be helpful in managing Gastroparesis symptoms, it's not a cure and should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you or someone you know is struggling with Gastroparesis, it's worth looking into Domperidone as a potential treatment option.
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