Information
Domperidone can be used off-label as a galactagogue to increase a mother’s milk supply. It must only be used after non-pharmacological support alone has failed to improve milk supply, and it must be used with and not instead of this support and with regular monitoring thereafter. The Health Visitors or Breastfeeding Clinic can advise on this.
GP can refer to HV/CMW/FNP who would be able to observe a feed and do a breastfeeding assessment. If required, the HCP could refer to The Infant Feeding team (IFA Contacts (scot.nhs.uk)) at which point the referral would be triaged and support offered if required.
Mothers must be informed of possible risks and benefits of its off-label indication and other treatment options.
When non-pharmacological methods have failed to increase milk supply after 1-2 weeks, domperidone can be used in conjunction with non-pharmacological support providing there are no contra-indications:
- in the mother of a baby unable to actively breastfeed due to prematurity / illness
- in a mother who is not meeting the nutritional needs of her baby, that is:
- the baby may not be gaining weight appropriately
- the baby may be requiring formula to gain weight appropriately
DOSE: 10mg three times a day for a maximum of 1 week
DURATION: Use for only 1 week
