Domperidone: no longer available without prescription
People now need to have a medical assessment before taking domperidone to determine if it is suitable for them due to the risk of cardiac side effects.
Article date: September 2014
Domperidone is a dopamine antagonist with antiemetic properties. It should no longer be sold to anyone without a prescription. It is associated with a small increased risk of serious cardiac side effects (eg, QTc prolongation, torsade de pointes, serious ventricular arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death). Therefore people need to have a medical assessment before taking domperidone to determine if it is suitable for them.
Advice for healthcare professionals
Advice to give to patients
- If you have recently bought domperidone without a prescription and you wish to continue taking it, speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your next routine visit. There is no problem if you wish to stop and a healthcare professional can advise on suitable alternatives for nausea and vomiting.
- If you have been prescribed domperidone, there is no need to stop taking it. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your next routine visit if you have any heart problems or other concerns about the treatment.
- Talk to a doctor straight away if you experience dizziness; fainting; chest pain; or a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat while taking domperidone.
Figure: A recall has been issued for non-prescription domperidone (Motilium 10 and Motilium instants)
Further information
Drug alertissued on 3 September 2014
MHRA press release issued on 3 September 2014
Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) assessment report
Article citation: Drug Safety Update volume 8 issue 2, September 2014: S1