Domperidone Dosage: What You Need to Know About Safe Use and Alternatives

When you're dealing with nausea, vomiting, or trouble with milk supply, Domperidone, a dopamine blocker used to treat gastrointestinal issues and support lactation. Also known as Motilium, it works by speeding up stomach emptying and reducing the urge to throw up without crossing the blood-brain barrier—unlike some other anti-nausea drugs. But getting the dose wrong can lead to side effects or even serious heart issues. It’s not a one-size-fits-all medication, and what works for one person might be too much—or too little—for another.

Most adults take Domperidone at 10 mg three or four times a day, about 15 to 30 minutes before meals. That’s the standard starting point for nausea or gastroparesis. For breastfeeding support, some people take the same dose, but only under medical supervision—because even though it’s not FDA-approved in the U.S. for this use, it’s commonly prescribed elsewhere to boost milk production. Kids and older adults often need lower doses, and people with liver problems may need to cut back even more. The maximum daily dose is usually 30 mg, but some doctors go up to 40 mg in rare cases. Never exceed that without a clear reason and close monitoring. Long-term use? That’s where things get tricky. The longer you take it, the higher the risk of irregular heartbeat, especially if you’re over 60, have heart disease, or are on other meds that affect your QT interval.

People often ask if there are safer or more effective options. Metoclopramide, another dopamine blocker that crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause movement disorders is an alternative, but it comes with more brain-related side effects. Ondansetron, a serotonin blocker often used for chemo nausea works fast and has fewer heart risks, but it’s pricier and doesn’t help with milk supply. For mild cases, ginger, peppermint tea, or small frequent meals might do the job without pills at all. And if your nausea is tied to something deeper—like acid reflux, a stomach infection, or a hormonal imbalance—treating the root cause is always better than just masking symptoms.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons and practical guides on Domperidone and its closest relatives. You’ll see how it stacks up against other anti-nausea drugs, what doses real people use in different situations, and when it’s better to skip it entirely. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to watch out for.