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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
2

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
PO
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
PO
Frequency
BID to TID
Max dose
5 mg/dose; 15 mg/day
Duration: 5–14 days

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →