Domperidone
Brand names: Motilium
Domperidone is a dopamine-antagonist antiemetic and prokinetic used for nausea and vomiting; it acts mainly peripherally with little central penetration.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It blocks peripheral dopamine D2 receptors (and at the chemoreceptor trigger zone) while crossing the blood-brain barrier poorly, so it causes fewer central extrapyramidal effects than metoclopramide.
Prescribing in practice
- It prolongs the QT interval and carries a cardiac risk — restricted to short-term use at the lowest effective dose.
- Avoid in cardiac disease, significant electrolyte disturbance, and with QT-prolonging drugs or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (MHRA).
- Reassess the need to continue.
Monitoring
Consider ECG and electrolytes where cardiac risk applies; limit the duration of use.
Counselling the patient
- Use it only for the short course prescribed.
- Tell your clinician about heart problems or other medicines.
Evidence & guidelines
Short-term antiemetic restricted by MHRA because of cardiac (QT) risk.
Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update (2014) — Domperidone cardiac risk; EMA Domperidone Review 2014; NICE CKS Nausea/Vomiting; SPC Motilium; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.