Domperidone: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your stomach feels stuck, or nausea won’t quit, domperidone, a medication that helps move food through the digestive tract by blocking dopamine in the gut. Also known as Motilium, it’s often used when other anti-nausea drugs don’t cut it or cause unwanted side effects. Unlike many similar drugs, domperidone doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier easily, which means it’s less likely to cause drowsiness or mood changes—making it a go-to for people who need relief without feeling foggy.

It’s not just for morning sickness or post-surgery nausea. People with gastrointestinal motility, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly, often due to diabetes, surgery, or nerve damage use domperidone to help food move through the system. It’s also common in those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort, especially when standard acid reducers don’t fix the root cause. The drug works by tightening the lower esophageal sphincter and speeding up stomach contractions, so food doesn’t sit there too long.

Domperidone isn’t for everyone. It’s not approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA due to rare heart rhythm risks, but it’s widely used in Canada, Europe, and Australia under strict guidelines. Doctors usually limit the dose and avoid it in people with heart conditions or those taking other drugs that affect the heart. If you’re considering it, talk to your provider about your full medication list—especially if you’re on antibiotics, antifungals, or antidepressants. It’s not a quick fix for every upset stomach, but for the right person, it can be life-changing.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and clear breakdowns from people who’ve used domperidone—or alternatives to it—for nausea, delayed digestion, and even lactation support. Some posts compare it to metoclopramide, others look at how it stacks up against natural remedies or dietary changes. You’ll see dosage tips, side effect reports, and what to do if it stops working. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask your doctor before starting.