Domperidone for Lactation

Domperidone maleate (domperidone, or dom) is a medication commonly used to treat stomach issues; this is an established drug introduced in 1979. Domperidone acts by blocking dopamine receptors. When dopamine is blocked, prolactin levels rise (since dopamine blocks prolactin), and lactation typically follows with stimulation. For this reason, domperidone is frequently used for lactation support. It is also part of the Newman-Goldfarb Induced Lactation Protocols, alongside Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.

Typically, domperidone is paired with the herbal supplements Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek to boost and promote milk supply. Many women find initial milk production challenging when inducing, but adding domperidone often results in increased supply.

Should I Take Domperidone?

This is a personal decision. Those preferring "natural" induction may avoid pharmaceutical galactagogues and rely on nursing, pumping, and herbal supplements instead. Others may choose domperidone. No judgment applies to either approach — individual philosophies and circumstances vary.

Using Domperidone

Domperidone tablets typically come as 10 mg tablets. The standard dose for inducing or maintaining milk supply is 20-40 mg four times daily, combined with herbal galactagogues.

Domperidone can cause headaches if dosage increases too quickly. Begin with 10mg four times daily and gradually increase until reaching desired effects. Daily intake should not exceed 160mg.

Supply builds gradually over time, but not comparably to nursing an infant. Full lactation, leakage, and related phenomena occurring with nursing rarely happen during induced lactation for ANR purposes.

Availability

Domperidone is available over-the-counter in many European countries. In others, it requires a prescription; in the US, doctors may prescribe it, but it's only obtainable from compounding pharmacies.

Domperidone carries multiple brand names, including:

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

Interesting Facts

• Unlike Reglan (previously favored), domperidone does not cross the blood-brain barrier and lacks adverse side effects such as depression
• FDA reports and published data show no evidence of negative long-term effects from domperidone use
• Domperidone has been successfully used in Canada for years supporting breastfeeding mothers