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About domperidone - Brand name: Motilium

Domperidone is an anti-sickness medicine. It helps you to stop feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).

It works by causing the muscles at the top of your stomach to tighten and the muscles at the bottom of your stomach to relax. This makes you less likely to be sick (vomit).

Domperidone can also be used to treat stomach pain if you're having end of life care (palliative care).

It is sometimes used to increase milk supply. Your doctor may prescribe it if you're having trouble breastfeeding but only if other things have not worked.

Domperidone is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow.

Key facts

  • You can take domperidone when you need it, up to 3 times a day.
  • Domperidone should start to work in about 30 to 60 minutes.
  • It works best if you take it before meals.
  • The most common side effect of domperidone is a dry mouth, but this is usually mild and goes away by itself.
  • Domperidone is usually only prescribed for a short time (up to 1 week).

Page last reviewed: 6 April 2023
Next review due: 6 April 2026