Pharmaceutical Galagtagogues

There are 2 main prescription drugs that have been used to increase milk production – Metoclopramide (Reglan) and Domperidone. They both work in a similar way, they act on the dopamine receptors to inhibit dopamine production, which in turn, stimulates prolactin production. Higher levels of the hormone prolactin promotes milk production; when prolactin levels are lower milk production can be affected.

Domperidone

Motilium - Dreams of Milk ANRDomperidone maleate (commonly referred to as domperidone, or just simply, dom) is a medication used to treat symptoms of slowed stomach emptying and stomach inflammation, but has the added side effect of promoting lactation.

Some physicians will prescribe it to help increase breast milk in new mothers that are struggling with low milk supply.

Domperidone is also used as part the Newman-Goldfarb Induced Lactation Protocols, along with Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.

Domperidone tablets typically come at a 10 mg tablet, and the usual dose for inducing/maintaining milk supply is to take 20-40 mg four times a day in conjunction with a combination of herbal galactagogues.

In some countries domperidone is only available by prescription, in the US it is only available by prescription and can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy.

In many European countries it is available over the counter.

Some common brand names for domperidone:

  • Motilium
  • Vesperidone
  • Vomistop
  • Vomilux
  • Motilium-V
  • GI Norm

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Reglan Tablets - Dreams of Milk ANRReglan was a commonly used drug in the US for many years, but has fallen out of favour due to some side effects that are considered too serious to continue prescribing this drug as commonly as it had been used previously.

Major side effects include depression/anxiety, which comes on after a period of 3-4 weeks and will subside after the medication is discontinued. Nausea, seizures, and twitching are other side effects that are common.

2 thoughts on “Pharmaceutical Galagtagogues”

    • As with any medications, there may be some risk in taking it. Domperidone is freely available over-the-counter in most European countries, and the UK. If there was a high risk of heart attack it would not be readily accessible. Here’s a link to a document from the UK government re: domperidone.

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