Brand Name

Motilium

Generic Name

domperidone maleate, pronounced  dom-perrid-oan mal-ee-ate

What is Motilium?

Motilium is a medication used to help relieve nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) heartburn,  and a heavy bloated stomach. Motilium may also be used for purposes not indicated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Motilium

Motilium belongs to a group of drugs called dopamine antagonists. It works by increasing the action of muscles in the gastrointestinal tract helping food pass through the digestive system more quickly.

Motilium may rarely cause serious intestinal or stomach bleeding or perforations (forming of holes).  These conditions are more likely to happen to older adults, and they can occur without warning and be fatal. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms which may indicate intestinal bleeding, like tarry or bloody stools, or if you cough or vomit blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds.

Motilium may not suitable if you have a heart condition with abnormal electrical activity of your heart (e.g., QT prolongation), heart failure, or low blood levels of magnesium or potassium.

Seek emergency help if while taking Motilium you experience chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with your vision or balance.

Before You Take Motilium

If you are allergic to domperidone you should not take Motilium.

PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The safety of Motilium in pregnancy has not been established and it should not be taken unless a doctor has determined the benefits to mother and baby outweigh any risks.  Motilium passes into breast milk and may affect your baby if you are nursing. You should not take Motilium if you are breastfeeding.

The safety and efficacy of Motilium has not been established in children. Where necessary your doctor will assess the risk versus benefit of prescribing Motilium to a child and determine the correct dosage.

Motilium may be associated with an increased risk of heart rhythm disorder and cardiac arrest. This risk is more likely in those taking doses larger than 30mg per day and in those over 60. For this reason Motilium should be always used at the lowest effective dose.

Motilium may not be suitable or should be prescribed with caution if you:

• have a heart condition with abnormal electrical activity of your heart (e.g., QT prolongation), heart failure, or low blood levels of magnesium or potassium
• have a prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland)
• have gastrointestinal problems such as a perforated gut or gastrointestinal blockage
• have black, tarry bowel stools or notice blood in your bowel movements. This could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding
• have kidney problems
• have liver problems

Motilium Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• “azole” antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)
• erythromycin antibiotics for infections (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin).
• amiodarone
• anticholinergics (e.g., benztropine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, oxybutinin)
• antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine)
• antipsychotic medications (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, quetiapine)
• disopyramide
• formoterol
• gadobutrol
• grapefruit juice
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir)
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
• nefazodone
• nilotinib
• pimozide
• procainamide
• propafenone
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin)
• salbutamol
• salmeterol
• sotalol
• SSRIs (e.g., paroxetine, citalopram, fluoxetine)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Motilium. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Motilium

Take Motilium 15 to 30 minutes before a meal and, if needed, before you go to bed. The usual adult dose of Motilium is 10 mg 3 to 4 times a day. The maximum dose of Motilium for adults per day is 20mg 4 times a day.

You should take Motilium exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Motilium in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Motilium may cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Let any doctor or laboratory who treats you know that you are talking Motilium.

Motilium needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Motilium you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Motilium Side Effects

Seek immediate emergency medical assistance

if you experience any of the following adverse effects while using Motilium:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives or swelling of your face, lips , throat or tongue
• you notice any uncontrolled movements. This is more likely to happen in children and can include irregular eye movements, unusual movements of the tongue, and abnormal posture such as a twisted neck, trembling and muscle stiffness.
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

Stop using Motilium and contact your physician if you experience

• burning, difficult, or painful urination
• loss of balance or muscle control
• redness of the eye
• sores inside the mouth

Less serious side effects of Motilium may include

• breast milk flowing from the nipple
• breast pain
• swelling of the breast (males)
• headache
• hot flashes
• dry mouth
• menstrual irregularities

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Motilium. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Motilium Description and Dosing

Motilium is available as 10mg tablets.

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Motilium you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Motilium

The primary active ingredient in Motilium is domperidone maleate.

The inactive ingredients in Motilium tablets include cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol and silicone dioxide.

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