Domperidone: what it is and why people use it

Domperidone is a medicine used mainly to ease nausea, speed up stomach emptying, and sometimes to boost milk supply in breastfeeding people. It’s not approved everywhere (for example, it’s not FDA-approved in the U.S.), but doctors in many countries still prescribe it. If you’re thinking about domperidone, you should know what it does, how it’s usually taken, and the safety warnings that matter most.

What domperidone does and who might use it

Domperidone blocks dopamine receptors in the gut and brain areas that control nausea. That helps reduce feelings of sickness and improves movement of food through the stomach — helpful for conditions like gastroparesis. Some lactation specialists prescribe low doses to raise prolactin and help with low milk supply, but that’s an off-label use and needs medical supervision.

Typical dosing where it’s available is 10 mg taken three times a day before meals. Many regulators recommend a maximum of 30 mg per day and advise against long-term or high-dose use. Always follow the exact dose your prescriber gives you — dosing can change based on age, other medicines, and health issues.

Safety, side effects, and interactions

Common side effects are dry mouth, abdominal cramps, headache, and sometimes drowsiness. There are rarer but serious risks: domperidone can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation) and has been linked to dangerous arrhythmias in people with heart disease or when taken with certain other drugs. That risk is higher in people over 60, those with low potassium or magnesium, and anyone taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole or some antibiotics) or other QT-prolonging medicines.

Before starting domperidone, tell your doctor about heart problems, fainting, low electrolytes, and every medication or supplement you take. If you have risk factors, your clinician may order an ECG or check electrolytes. Stop and seek care if you notice fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.

If you’re using it to increase milk supply, discuss risks vs. benefits with your provider. Safer alternatives and non-drug measures (like pumping technique and feeding frequency) should be tried first.

Buying domperidone online: get a prescription. Avoid sites that sell it without one. Look for pharmacies with clear contact info, licensed pharmacist access, secure payment, and positive reviews. Verify pharmacy credentials and check return and privacy policies. If a price looks too good or the site pressures you, walk away.

Make sure to consult a clinician before starting domperidone. It can help, but the safety checklist matters: correct dose, drug interaction review, and monitoring when needed. If anything feels off while taking it, contact your prescriber right away.