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Domperidone

Prescription

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist / Prokinetic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

4 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (antiemetic effect) and enhances gastric motility by increasing lower esophageal sphincter tone and promoting gastroduodenal peristalsis

At a glance

Class

Dopamine D2 receptor antagonist / Prokinetic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting, Leishmania treatment adjunct

Dose

0.1–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

TID

Max dose

20 mg/dose; 60 mg/day

Duration: 5–14 days or as needed

🐈

Cat

Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting

Dose

0.1–0.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

BID to TID

Max dose

5 mg/dose; 15 mg/day

Duration: 5–14 days

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

10mg

Available in India

🧴

Oral suspension — 1

Strength

1mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

GI obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage

Use with caution

Prolactinoma
CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase domperidone levels

Adverse effects

Common

Mild GI upset

Galactorrhea

Serious

Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation, rare)

Hyperprolactinemia

Monitoring parameters

GI motility improvementSigns of galactorrheaECG if prolonged use

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 2

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

major

Ketoconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of domperidone, increasing levels. Domperidone causes dose-dependent QT prolongation — elevated levels increase cardiac arrhythmia risk.

Management: Avoid combination. If prokinetic needed with ketoconazole, use metoclopramide (not CYP3A4 substrate).

Itraconazole

major

Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, increasing domperidone levels and QT prolongation risk.

Management: Avoid. Use alternative prokinetic.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Motilium

Janssen

Equidone

Dechra

India

Domstal

Torrent

Vomistop

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Domperidone?

Domperidone is a dopamine d2 receptor antagonist / prokinetic used in pets. Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (antiemetic effect) and enhances gastric motility by increasing lower esophageal sphincter tone and promoting gastroduodenal peristalsis

›What is Domperidone used for in pets?

Domperidone is used in veterinary medicine for: Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting, Leishmania treatment adjunct; Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting.

›What is the Domperidone dose for dogs?

For dogs, Domperidone is typically dosed as follows — Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting, Leishmania treatment adjunct: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Domperidone dose for cats?

For cats, Domperidone is typically dosed as follows — Gastroparesis, nausea/vomiting: 0.1–0.5 mg/kg PO BID to TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Domperidone?

Common: Mild GI upset, Galactorrhea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cardiac arrhythmias (QT prolongation, rare), Hyperprolactinemia.

›Does Domperidone need a prescription?

Yes. Domperidone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Domperidone not be used?

Do not use Domperidone if: GI obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhage.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database