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How and when to take domperidone - Brand name: Motilium

Always follow a doctor's instructions when taking domperidone.

Dosage

Domperidone comes as tablets and a liquid that you swallow.

The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years old and older is one 10mg tablet (or 10ml of liquid), up to 3 times a day.

How to take it

Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew it.

Domperidone liquid comes with an oral plastic syringe to help you measure your dose. If you do not have a syringe, ask a pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon, as this will not measure the right amount.

You can take domperidone up to 3 times a day, but only take it when you need it. Leave 8 hours between each dose you take.

It's best to take domperidone before food. Take it 15 to 30 minutes before you have a meal or snack.

How long to take it for

You'll usually take domperidone for up to 1 week. This is because it can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) if you take it for longer or at a high dose.

Your doctor will tell you how long to take it for. They'll recommend that you take it for the shortest possible time and at the lowest dose that works for you.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take domperidone, take it as soon as you remember, as long as this is at least 2 hours before your next dose is due. If it is less than 2 hours before your next dose is due, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much

Taking too much domperidone can be dangerous.

If you take more than your prescribed dose, you may get a fast or irregular heartbeat.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:

  • you take more than your prescribed dose of domperidone

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the domperidone packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

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