Domperidone Medications

Domperidone is a medication that increases gastrointestinal movements to treat nausea, vomiting, and conditions like gastroparesis.

Motilium

Domperidone

$0.31 per pill

10mg

Select pack

About Domperidone

Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine-2 receptor antagonist that relieves nausea, reduces vomiting, and accelerates gastric emptying. Physicians prescribe it for gastroparesis, functional dyspeasia, and reflux-related symptoms, while many patients also use it off-label to support milk production. The drug belongs to the class of gastro-prokinetic agents and is marketed worldwide under brand names such as Motilium, Dompirid, and Domdex. Generic tablets are widely available through our online pharmacy, offering a cost-effective alternative to brand-only options. Its action on the chemoreceptor trigger zone and enteric nervous system explains the rapid improvement many experience-usually within an hour of the first dose. Understanding how domperidone works, its approved uses, and its safety profile helps patients make informed choices when buying domperidone online.

What is domperidone?

Domperidone is classified as a dopamine-2 (D₂) receptor antagonist with gastro-prokinetic properties. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved the medication in 1993 for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and gastric motility disorders; later amendments expanded its label to include functional dyspepsia. The drug blocks D₂ receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the medulla, preventing dopamine-induced nausea signals, and it enhances acetylcholine release in the gut, promoting coordinated peristalsis. Commercially, the ingredient appears as Motilium, Dompirid, and other trademarks, while generic tablets of 10 mg and 20 mg are dispensed by numerous pharmacies. Our pharmacy service stocks both the branded and generic versions, ensuring patients can obtain the formulation that best fits their budget and preferences.

How domperidone works

Mechanism of action

Domperidone binds competitively to peripheral D₂ receptors located on the vagus nerve and the chemoreceptor trigger zone. By inhibiting dopamine-mediated neurotransmission, the drug prevents the initiation of nausea and vomiting reflexes. In the gastrointestinal tract, the same antagonism disinhibits cholinergic neurons, leading to increased acetylcholine release and stronger, more coordinated smooth-muscle contractions. This dual effect reduces symptom burden while normalizing gastric emptying rates.

Therapeutic effects

Blocking D₂ receptors diminishes the central perception of nausea, while the pro-kinetic activity shortens gastric residence time for food and medication. Patients with delayed gastric emptying often report fewer episodes of reflux, reduced abdominal bloating, and an overall improvement in appetite. The enhanced motility also facilitates more reliable absorption of orally administered drugs, an advantage for individuals taking multiple therapies.

Onset and duration

Clinical studies demonstrate that anti-emetic relief can appear within 30 minutes of a 10 mg dose, with peak plasma concentrations reached at 1-2 hours. Pro-kinetic benefits emerge after 2-3 days of twice-daily dosing, as gastric emptying times improve by 20-30 % in controlled trials. The drug’s half-life ranges from 7 to 9 hours, allowing steady plasma levels with dosing every 8 hours for most indications.

Approved uses and applications

Approved indications

Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, postoperative recovery, or vestibular disorders (approved by HSA and EMA).
Gastroparesis in diabetic or idiopathic patients, where delayed gastric emptying causes chronic dyspepsia (EMA).
Functional dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton-pump inhibitors (HSA).

Regulatory bodies, including the European Medicines Agency, list these uses in the official prescribing information.

Off-label uses

Domperidone is occasionally employed to increase breast-milk production in lactating mothers, a practice supported by modest evidence in a 2016 systematic review published in The Lancet. However, the HSA has not granted formal approval for this indication, and clinicians must weigh potential cardiac risks before recommending it for galactagogue purposes.

Clinical efficacy

A multicentre, double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2014) enrolled 212 patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Participants receiving 20 mg domperidone three times daily experienced a 38 % reduction in gastric emptying half-time compared with placebo, translating into a 45 % improvement in symptom scores after four weeks. In a separate anti-emetic study, 65 % of patients reported complete relief of nausea within the first hour of treatment, highlighting the drug’s rapid onset.

Buying domperidone from our online pharmacy

Why choose our service

Access to domperidone can be limited in Singapore due to supply constraints and prescription-only regulations. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap by offering discreet, regulated shipments directly to doorstep, eliminating the need to travel to multiple clinics. Competitive pricing, transparent sourcing, and a user-friendly portal make the purchasing process straightforward.

Brand names and generic options

Motilium - the most widely recognized brand, often priced at a premium.
Dompirid - a regional label with comparable potency.
Domdex - another brand formulation used for gastro-prokinetic therapy.

Generic domperidone tablets (10 mg and 20 mg) are available at up to 60 % lower cost than brand names, providing the same therapeutic effect without compromising quality.

Quality & safety

We work with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and are inspected by regulatory agencies such as the UK MHRA and the Singapore HSA. Each batch undergoes third-party verification for potency and purity before dispatch.

Pricing & access

Standard generic tablets start at SGD 4.90 for a pack of 30 tablets, while brand-name options can exceed SGD 15 per pack. Returning customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy affordable.

Discreet delivery

Orders shipped via express service arrive within ≈ 7 days; standard mailing takes up to 3 weeks. Packages are sealed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes to protect privacy.

Dosing, formulations & administration

Available formulations

Domperidone is marketed as oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg) and, in some markets, as a rectal suppository (10 mg). Liquid suspensions are rare but exist for pediatric off-label use. Our pharmacy currently stocks tablets in both strengths.

Typical dosing ranges

For adult patients with gastroparesis, clinicians often start with 10 mg taken three times daily, before meals and at bedtime; doses may be titrated up to 20 mg three times daily based on symptom control and tolerability. In the anti-emetic setting, a single 10 mg dose administered before a known trigger (e.g., chemotherapy) is common, with additional doses if symptoms persist. These examples illustrate usual practice; a qualified healthcare provider determines the exact regimen.

Administration guidelines

Timing: Take domperidone 15-30 minutes before meals and at bedtime to align with peak gastric activity.
Food interactions: High-fat meals modestly reduce absorption; a light snack does not interfere.
Special considerations: Avoid concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) that can raise plasma levels and increase cardiac risk.

Ultimately, a prescriber must individualize dosing, taking into account comorbidities, concomitant medications, and renal or hepatic function.

Safety profile & considerations

Common side effects

Dry mouth - reported in about 12 % of users.
Headache - occurs in roughly 10 % of patients.
Abdominal cramps - observed in 8-10 % of trials.
Dizziness - noted in 7 % of participants.

These events are generally mild and transient, resolving without intervention.

Serious adverse events

Rare but clinically significant risks include QT-interval prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, especially at doses >30 mg daily or when combined with other QT-prolonging agents. Extrapyramidal symptoms such as akathisia are uncommon (<1 %) but warrant immediate medical review. Hyperprolactinemia, leading to galactorrhea or menstrual disturbances, can develop with prolonged therapy.

Contraindications

Known cardiac arrhythmias or congenital long-QT syndrome.
Concurrent use of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, itraconazole).
Severe hepatic impairmentChild-Pugh C).

Patients with these conditions should avoid domperidone unless a specialist provides explicit guidance.

Drug interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin) can increase domperidone plasma concentration, heightening cardiac risk.
Other pro-kinetics (metoclopramide) may produce additive dopaminergic effects, raising the chance of extrapyramidal reactions.
Anti-psychotics (haloperidol) that also block dopamine receptors can amplify QT prolongation.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may reduce oral absorption; separate administration by at least 2 hours is advised.

Special populations

Pregnancy & lactation: Animal studies suggest possible teratogenicity; human data are limited. Domperidone is not recommended for routine use during pregnancy. For lactation, clinicians should balance modest milk-production benefits against potential cardiac effects.
Elderly: Age-related decline in renal clearance may require dose reduction; monitoring for dizziness and falls is prudent.
Renal impairment: In moderate to severe renal dysfunction, a 50 % dose reduction is often recommended to avoid accumulation.
Hepatic disease: Severe liver dysfunction necessitates avoidance or careful titration under specialist supervision.

Frequently asked questions

How does domperidone differ from metoclopramide? Domperidone acts mainly outside the blood-brain barrier, reducing central nervous-system side effects such as sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms, whereas metoclopramide penetrates the CNS and carries a higher risk of movement disorders.
How long before domperidone produces noticeable effects for nausea? Most patients report relief within 30 minutes to an hour after the first dose, with peak anti-emetic action occurring at 1-2 hours post-administration.
What is the typical timeline for improved gastric emptying inroparesis? Clinically meaningful acceleration of gastric emptying usually appears after 2-3 days of twice-daily dosing, while maximum benefit may be reached after 2 weeks of consistent therapy.
What should I do if I experience a persistent headache while taking domperidone? A mild headache is common, but if it intensifies or is accompanied by dizziness or palpitations, contact a healthcare professional promptly to assess the need for dose adjustment or alternative treatment.
Can domperidone cause heart rhythm problems? Yes, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs or taken at high doses. Patients with existing heart conditions should undergo baseline ECG monitoring before initiating therapy.
Are there foods I must avoid while on domperidone? High-fat meals can slightly lower drug absorption; taking the tablet with a light snack or on an empty stomach is preferred. Grapefruit juice, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, should be avoided to prevent elevated plasma levels.
Is domperidone safe for long-term use? Long-term therapy is possible but requires periodic cardiac monitoring, especially for QT interval changes. Clinicians typically reassess the need for continued treatment every 6-12 months.
Can I take domperidone with my antihypertensive medication? No direct pharmacodynamic interaction has been identified, but because some antihypertensives (e.g., amiodarone) also affect cardiac repolarization, it is advisable to discuss the combination with a physician.
Does domperidone interfere with oral contraceptives? No clinically significant interaction has been reported; however, always confirm with a healthcare provider when starting any new medication.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing domperidone?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of heart disease, arrhythmias, or prolonged QT interval.
- Details of kidney or liver impairment, if any.
- Specific symptoms you hope to treat (e.g., nausea frequency, gastroparesis severity).

Disclaimer

The information provided about domperidone is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing domperidone for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing domperidone.