Motilium, also known by its generic name domperidone, is a medication that increases the contractions of the stomach and bowel. The contractions, known as motility, move digested food through your stomach and bowel. Domperidone can also be used as an anti-sickness medicine and prevents symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Most commonly, Motilium is used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis.

GERD occurs when the stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus (also known as acid reflux). Occasional acid reflux is common, but if you frequently experience this condition, you may have GERD. Symptoms of GERD include chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and regurgitation of food. If you have these symptoms more than twice a week, you may need a prescription for Motilium. Over time, GERD can lead to tissue damage in the esophagus.

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the movement of the stomach and intestinal muscles. The stomach does not contract enough, so food gets stuck in the bowel, causing unpleasant symptoms. Motilium encourages movement of the bowel, preventing the effects of gastroparesis that cause significant abdominal pain and bloating.

Motilium is an antiemetic medication that blocks chemical messengers in the brain that cause nausea. Along with reducing nausea, it increases stomach contractions, enabling food to move more easily through the digestive tract. When food and liquid move slowly through the stomach, as with gastroparesis, it may cause heartburn and GERD symptoms.

At Canada Pharmacy Depot, you can purchase 10 mg of domperidone or brand name Motilium. Your doctor will prescribe your dose of domperidone based on your condition and medical history. It is important to take your dose as prescribed to reduce the risk of side effects. Domperidone is typically taken more than once a day, but the frequency is determined by your doctor.

If you are taking domperidone for gastric motility disorders, you will likely take 10 mg dosages three to four times a day. If you miss a dose of your domperidone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not double up on your dosages. Your doctor may recommend taking this drug 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. If you are taking Motilium for nausea and vomiting, domperidone may be taken at higher dosages for up to a week.

All medications have the potential for side effects, so it is essential to be aware of potential symptoms when beginning treatment. Some side effects are serious, but the majority will go away over time. Common side effects of domperidone include: 

• Irregular menstrual period
• Secretion of breast milk in women
• Low sex drive in men
• Breast tenderness/enlargement in men
• Rash or itchy skin
• Dry mouth or thirst
• Mouth ulcers
• Itchy eyes
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Food regurgitation
• Constipation

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should tell your doctor about the frequency and severity of your side effects. These side effects will go away when you stop taking domperidone but do not stop your prescription without consulting your doctor. You should tell your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
• Irregular or fast heartbeats
• Passing more urine than usual
• An allergic reaction to Motilium (shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc.)

If you have GERD or gastroparesis, it is essential to be transparent with your physician to ensure that domperidone is right for you. If you have any allergies or take other medications, you should tell your doctor to avoid the possibility of dangerous interactions. Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• Liver or kidney problems
• You weigh under 77 pounds (very low body mass index (BMI)
• You have a bowel obstruction or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
• Heart problems or irregular heartbeat
• You recently had abdominal surgery
• You have a pituitary gland tumor

If you fall into any of the above categories, you may be unable to take domperidone. In this case, your doctor will likely find an alternative medication for your symptoms. Domperidone may also interact with the following medications:

• HIV drugs
• Malaria drugs
• Antipsychotics or antidepressants
• High blood pressure medications
• Cancer drugs or treatments
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals

Is domperidone available in the USA?

Currently, domperidone is not available for sale in the United States. If you want to take domperidone, you can ask your doctor for a prescription that can be submitted to Canada Pharmacy Depot. You can purchase domperidone or brand name Motilium through our Canadian online pharmacy. You can save up to 90% on your prescriptions through our Canadian pharmacy. If you buy domperidone through Canada Pharmacy Depot, you can have your prescription delivered straight to your door.

Can you use domperidone for breastfeeding?

Research has found that domperidone can increase the milk supply in breastfeeding women. Breastfeeding is not the main use for domperidone, so you will have to talk to your doctor to see if you can get a prescription for domperidone.

Can domperidone cause weight gain?

The ingredients in domperidone enable the stomach to empty more quickly, increasing gastric motility. This accelerated gastric emptying can cause you to feel less satiated and eat more food, which may increase your chance of gaining weight. This does not occur with every patient, but it is something to look out for.

What are common Motilium side effects?

When beginning Motilium, you may experience dry mouth, headache, fatigue, agitations, or itchy skin. If these side effects persist, tell your doctor. Severe side effects of domperidone include dangerous heart palpitations and allergic reactions.

Can you overdose on Motilium?

It is essential to take your prescription as prescribed by your doctor. If you take too much domperidone, you may experience symptoms of an overdose. If you know you ingested too much domperidone, contact poison control or emergency services. Even if you experience no overdose symptoms, you still may need urgent medical attention. If you take too much domperidone, you may experience drowsiness, confusion, seizures, or irregular eye movements.

Are there any risks associated with Motilium?

Research shows that domperidone comes with the risk of unusual heartbeat or sudden heart failure. This risk is greater in adults over 60, or if you take more than three domperidone tablets a day. If you tell your doctor about pre-existing heart conditions before beginning treatment, this risk is greatly reduced. If you notice unusual heart problems when starting domperidone, tell your doctor right away.

How should I store domperidone?

Do not store Motilium above the bathroom sink. The heat and dampness in your bathroom can destroy the medication and cause it to harden or break down and lessen its efficacy. You should keep your medications in a safe place where no children or animals have access to your medications.