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Side effects of domperidone - Brand name: Motilium

Like all medicines, domperidone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

More than 1 in 100 people who take domperidone will get a dry mouth. This common side effect is usually mild and goes away by itself.

If this happens, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking a sugar-free sweet.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare.

Call a doctor or call 111 now if:

  • your muscles or eyes start moving in an unusual or uncontrolled way
  • you have problems peeing

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you have a seizure or fit
  • you have a fast or irregular heartbeat
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring all the medicines you take with you.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to domperidone.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

  • your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
  • your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
  • your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
  • you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • someone faints and cannot be woken up
  • a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Information:

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of domperidone. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.

Page last reviewed: 6 April 2023
Next review due: 6 April 2026