Why Motilium (Domperidone) is prescribed?

Domperidone is a medicine that increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and bowel. Domperidone is also used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by other drugs used to treat Parkinson's Disease. Domperidone is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

- For oral dosage form (tablets):

-Treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders:

•   Adults—10 milligrams (mg) three to four times daily. Some patients may require higher doses of up to 20 mg three or four times daily.

- Nausea and vomiting: 

•  Adults—20 milligrams (mg) three to four times daily.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Symptoms of overdose

• Difficulty in speaking

• disorientation

• dizziness

• fainting

• irregular heartbeat

• light-headedness

• loss of balance or muscle control

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Loss of balance or muscle control

• swelling of the mouth

Rare

• Fast, irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse

• swelling of face, hands, lower legs, or feet

How long does domperidone take to work?

After starting domperidone, it may take three or four days before you notice any effect, though sometimes mothers notice an effect within 24 hours. It appears to take two to three weeks to get a maximum effect, but some mothers have noted effects only after 4 or more weeks.

Does domperidone cause sleepiness?

Side Effects: Headache, dizziness, dry mouth, nervousness, flushing, or irritability may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Trouble sleeping, stomach cramps, hot flashes and leg cramps have also been reported. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.

Can I take domperidone on an empty stomach? 

The pharmacist may instruct you to take each dose 30 minutes before eating, but that is because of its usual use for digestive problems. Taking domperidone on an empty stomach does allow it to be better absorbed, but it is not necessary to do this for it to work to increase breastmilk production.