Domperidone is a prescription medication generally used for nausea and vomiting. However, in your case it is used to increase breast milk supply.
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How does it work?
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Domperidone increases the level of a hormone (prolactin) in your body, which is involved in breast milk production. Therefore as the prolactin level is raised the amount of breast milk produced increases.
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When is it appropriate to use?
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Domperidone is recommended only when breast milk supply is low and when non-drug methods alone are not enough to increase milk supply.
It may be useful for mothers of pre-term babies, very sick newborns or adoptive mothers.
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What is the usual dosage?
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Domperidone is available as 10mg tablets.
To increase breast milk production, you will generally start with 10mg (one tablet) three times a day and, after a few days, increase to 20mg (two tablets) three times a day.
The maintenance dose is normally 20mg (two tablets) three times a day until breast milk supply is well established. This may take several weeks.
Once supply is well established, then the dose will be decreased to 10mg (one tablet) three times a day for one week before stopping the medication altogether.
The dose may vary depending on your doctor, but you should not have more than 80mg (eight tablets) in one day.
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How long does it take to work?
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It may take a week before you notice an increase in breast milk supply and it will usually take two to four weeks to achieve the maximum effect.
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How long is the treatment for?
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The length of treatment depends on your response to the medication, and is decided by your doctor.
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What are the side effects?
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Some reported side effects include headache (most common), abdominal pain, dry mouth, rash and trouble sleeping. Other side effects such as restlessness and muscle spasm may occur, but they are very rare. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience anything unusual or if you feel unwell.
Very small amounts of domperidone are expected to pass into the breast milk, therefore it is very unlikely that your baby will suffer side effects from the medication.
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Taking domperidone
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Taking domperidone for increasing breast milk supply should only be done under medical supervision.
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For further help and advice
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Royal Women's Hospital
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Drug Information Centre
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Pharmacy Department
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Locked Bag 300
Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
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Hours 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
Tel: (03) 8345 3190
After hours answering machine
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Email: drug.information@rwh.org.au
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Breastfeeding Education & Support Services (BESS)
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3/234 Cardigan St
Carlton VIC 3053
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Tel: (03) 9344 3651
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Note: The full consumer medicine information for domperidone can be obtained from any pharmacy.
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Disclaimer
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The Royal Women’s Hospital does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided in this fact sheet or incorporated into it by reference. We provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.
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Published April 2008
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