MHRA has recommended measures to minimise the risk of episodes of severe hypertension due to domperidone, for patients with confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma following a small number of reports.

Advice for healthcare professionals

• Domperidone is now contraindicated in patients with confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma.
• Patients with confirmed or suspected phaeochromocytoma should stop taking domperidone immediately and be switched to an alternative treatment.
• Domperidone can unmask phaeochromocytomas. If a patient taking domperidone has an episode of severe hypertension, consider further investigations for phaeochromocytoma.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration and maximum treatment duration should not usually exceed 1 week.
• For palliative care, an individual benefit risk decision on treatment should be made in discussion with the patient. 

Report suspected adverse drug reactions associated with domperidone via the Yellow Card scheme. 

ScriptSwitch messages have been enabled to support prescribers.

Refer to the full MHRA update article for detailed information.