Domperidone for Increasing Breast Milk Supply: This leaflet provides information about domperidone, a medication sometimes used to help increase breast milk supply. Domperidone is prescribed off label for this purpose and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Domperidone for Increasing Breast Milk Supply |
| Department | Maternity / Neonatal |
| Author(s) | Liz Jennis |
| Review Date | September 2026 |
| Next Review | September 2028 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
About this Leaflet
This leaflet provides information about domperidone, a medication sometimes used to help increase breast milk supply. Domperidone is prescribed off label for this purpose and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
What is Domperidone?
Domperidone is a medicine commonly used for nausea. It can also raise levels of prolactin, the hormone that helps your body make breast milk. Although not licensed to increase breastmilk, it is used in clinical practice to support milk production when breastfeeding or expression is already optimised.
How Does Domperidone Help Increase Milk Supply?
Domperidone increases prolactin, which signals the breasts to produce more milk. It works best when combined with frequent, effective breastfeeding or pumping.
Domperidone should only be considered when:
- Feeding technique and breast drainage have been reviewed
- You are expressing or breastfeeding at least 8 - 10 times in 24 hours
- Non medication interventions have not been effective
Who May Benefit from Domperidone?
Domperidone may be considered if:
- You are exclusively pumping less than 500ml in 24 hours beyond day 10 and an assessment of expressing has considered and addressed other measures to increase breastmilk supply.
- You have been advised to start formula to support your baby’s growth, but you want to exclusively breastfeed.
Who Should Not Take Domperidone?
Domperidone is not suitable if you or your baby have:
- Any significant heart conditions or arrhythmias
- Are taking medicines that prolong the QT interval
- Known liver disease
- Low potassium or magnesium levels
- Anyone with known or suspected phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland)
These risks are highlighted by national breastfeeding guidance (Reyes et al., 2025; The Breastfeeding Network, 2024)
Your doctor will check your medical history and current medications before prescribing.
| A prescription can only be considered if the prescribing doctor has access to your medical records at ASPH. |
Recommended Dose
Your doctor will confirm the correct dose.
A typical prescription is:
10 mg (one tablet), three times a day for 7 days maximum.
How Long Until It Works?
Some people notice improvement within 3-7 days.
If no change is seen after 7 days, treatment may be reviewed.
Possible Side Effects
Most people experience no significant problems. Possible side effects include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal cramps
- Low mood
If symptoms occur or worsen, speak to your healthcare professional.
| Domperidone can occasionally trigger episodes of high blood pressure. Stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as persistent headache, blurred vision, shortness of breath and chest pain. |
Important Safety Information
Domperidone can rarely affect heart rhythm.
Your doctor may assess for risk factors before prescribing, especially if:
- You take other medications
- You have a history of cardiac issues
(Reyes et al., 2025; The Breastfeeding Network, 2024)
Using Domperidone Alongside Breastfeeding or Pumping
Domperidone works only if milk is being removed regularly. For best results:
- Breastfeed or pump 8-10 times a day
- Include at least one night time session
- Practise skin to skin
- Use a hospital grade double pump if expressing
- Ensure you are using the correct pump flange size
- Use breast compressions while pumping
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Domperidone work for everyone?
Not always. Some mothers see a clear improvement, others see little or none.
Is it safe for my baby?
Very little enters breast milk, and it is considered low risk when used as advised.
Are there herbs that can increase my milk supply?
All herbs and prescription medicines used for increasing milk supply have potential side effects. Learn more about your options in this fact sheet:
- What is a galactagogue? Do I need one?
https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/herbal_galactagogue/
Support and Further Information
For help with breastfeeding or expressing, please contact:
- NICU infant feeding Lead, IBCLC:
Liz Jennis:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Specialist Neonatal Dietitian:
Michaela Smith:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Maternity infant feeding team:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Speak with your midwife, health visitor, or neonatal nurse to arrange support.
References
Reyes, S. M., Paul, T. L., & Ferry, J. (2025) Human Milk Fortification and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birthweight Infants: State of Evidence and Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 17(21), 3384.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/21/3384
The Breastfeeding Network: Drugs in breastmilk information (2024) Factsheet: Domperidone and breastfeeding.
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/domperidone/
NHS Medicines A-Z:
Domperidone: anti-sickness medicine for nausea and vomiting
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/domperidone/
