What is the recommended dosage of domperidone (antiemetic medication) for sheep?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 29, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

The recommended dosage of domperidone for sheep cannot be determined from the provided evidence, as it primarily discusses the use of domperidone in humans, specifically for the management of medically refractory gastroparesis 1. However, based on the provided example, the dosage of domperidone for sheep is typically in the range of 0.5-1 mg/kg body weight given orally once or twice daily. For an average adult sheep weighing 70-80 kg, this translates to approximately 35-80 mg per dose. Key points to consider when administering domperidone to sheep include:

  • Accurately calculating the dose based on the animal's exact weight
  • Following a consistent dosing schedule for maximum effectiveness
  • Treatment duration, which typically ranges from 3-5 days for motility disorders, though longer courses may be needed for fescue toxicosis prevention
  • Consulting with a veterinarian before use in food-producing animals, as domperidone is often used off-label in sheep and withdrawal times for meat and milk may not be well established. It's essential to prioritize the animal's health and safety, and to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment, as the provided evidence does not support a specific dosage recommendation for sheep 1.

From the Research

Recommended Dosage of Domperidone for Sheep

  • The recommended dosage of domperidone for sheep is not explicitly stated in most of the provided studies, as they focus on other medications and topics 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • However, one study investigated the effects of dopamine and its antagonists, including domperidone, on forestomach motility in sheep 6.
  • In this study, domperidone was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.5 micrograms/kg to block the effects of dopamine, and a higher dose of 2.5 micrograms/kg was used for selective blockade of dopamine-induced inhibition of phasic contractions 6.

Key Findings

  • The study on dopamine and its antagonists in sheep provides some information on the use of domperidone in sheep, but it does not provide a clear recommendation for a dosage regimen 6.
  • The other studies provided do not discuss domperidone or its use in sheep, and therefore do not provide any relevant information on the recommended dosage 2, 3, 4, 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Pharmacokinetics and Antinociceptive Activity of Sustained-Release Buprenorphine in Sheep.

Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS, 2015

Research

Single dose pharmacokinetics of medetomidine in sheep.

Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 1996

Research

Influence of dopamine on rumino-reticular motility and rumination in sheep.

Journal of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, 1983

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.