What is Motilium (Domperidone) used for?

Motilium (Domperidone) contains the active ingredient domperidone, which is a type of medicine called a dopamine antagonist. It is an anti-emetic medicine, meaning it is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to treat abdominal bloating, fullness and discomfort in adults.

Motilium (Domperidone) works primarily by blocking dopamine receptors found in an area of the brain known as the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is activated by nerve messages from the stomach when an irritant is present. It is also activated directly by agents circulating in the blood, for example anti-cancer medicines. Once activated, it sends messages to another area of the brain, the vomiting centre, which in turn sends messages to the gut, causing the vomiting reflex. Blocking the dopamine receptors in the CTZ prevents nausea messages from being sent to the vomiting centre. This reduces the sensation of nausea and prevents vomiting. Motilium (Domperidone) also blocks dopamine receptors found in the upper end of the digestive system. This results in tightening of the muscles at the entry to the stomach, relaxation of the muscles at the exit of the stomach and increased contraction of the muscles in the stomach itself. These actions speed the passage of food through the stomach into the intestine, which physically helps to prevent vomiting. Both actions make Motilium useful in treating nausea and vomiting due to many causes, including anti-cancer chemotherapy, emergency hormonal contraception and in migraine. Motilium is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that can be caused by medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as levodopa, bromocriptine and apomorphine.

Due to its stimulating action on the gut, which speeds up stomach emptying into the intestine, Motilium can also be used to relieve upper abdominal discomfort, a sense of fullness or bloating, and regurgitation of the stomach contents that some people experience following meals.

How should I use Motilium (Domperidone)?

Motilium should be taken 15-30 minutes before meals and, if necessary, before retiring.

What are the side effects of Motilium (Domperidone)?

• Diarrhoea
• Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men
• Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue
• Breast pain
• High blood prolactin (milk producing hormone) level
• Breast enlargement
• Stopping of menstrual periods
• Stomach cramps
• Decreased sex drive
• Itchy rash

Further Information

Motilium can be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies for the relief of after meal symptoms, as the branded product Motilium 10. For more information ask your pharmacist. The non-prescription Motilium 10 product is not suitable for use by children under 16 years old.

Domperidone is used in Canada and other areas of the world to increase milk supply. Domperidone increases milk supply by blocking dopamine, which results in an increase in prolactin levels. It does not work in all women and would not be expected to increase milk production in a woman who already has normal (high) prolactin levels.