Domperidone: What You Need to Know

If you've ever felt nauseous or had digestion problems like slow stomach emptying, domperidone might ring a bell. It's a medication that’s often prescribed to help ease symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially when your stomach isn’t moving food along as it should. But what exactly does it do, and how should you use it safely? Let’s break it down.

Domperidone works by blocking dopamine receptors in your gut. This helps speed up the movement of food from your stomach into your intestines, which means it can reduce feelings of fullness, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. It’s especially helpful for people dealing with gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty.

Common Uses of Domperidone

Doctors usually prescribe domperidone for nausea caused by certain conditions or treatments, like chemotherapy or after surgery. It’s also used for people with delayed gastric emptying or even to help with symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux that come from slow digestion. Some women take it to help increase breast milk supply, but that's something to discuss carefully with your doctor.

What to Watch Out For

While domperidone can be quite effective, it’s important to take it as directed. Avoid exceeding your doctor’s recommended dose, as it may cause heart rhythm changes or other side effects. If you experience symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or chest pain, seek medical advice immediately. Also, domperidone is not recommended for people with certain heart conditions or those taking medications that affect heart rhythm.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting domperidone. They’ll help you weigh the benefits and risks and decide if it’s right for you.

In short, domperidone is a useful tool for managing nausea and digestion troubles but should be used carefully. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any unusual symptoms to stay safe and get the best results.