The Effect of Two Different Domperidone Doses on Maternal Milk Production. (February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knoppert, David C.; Page, Andrea; Warren, Joanne; Seabrook, Jamie A.; Carr, Michelle; Angelini, Michelle; Killick, Diane; daSilva, Orlando P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human lactation. Volume 29:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2013-02
• Subjects: breast milk -- galactogogues -- premature infants; Breastfeeding -- Periodicals; Lactation -- Periodicals; 612.664
• DOI: 10.1177/0890334412438961
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-3344

Abstract

Background: The benefits of breast milk to the newborn infant are well established. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life for healthy, term infants. Mothers of premature newborns, however, may have difficulty providing an adequate supply of breast milk. Domperidone is officially used as a prokinetic agent. However, it is used widely around the world as a galactogogue. Despite its widespread use as a galactogogue, only a small number of investigators have studied domperidone for this indication. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal dosage of domperidone as a galactogogue. Methods: Eligible subjects were randomized to receive domperidone 10 mg 3 times daily or domperidone 20 mg 3 times daily for 4 weeks. At week 5, the frequency was decreased to twice daily in both groups, and finally once daily for week 6. Results: Over the entire first 4-week period, there was a significant increase in daily milk volumes within each group ( P < .01). The between-group difference over this period, although not statistically significant, was clinically significant. Additionally, there was no significant within- or between-group difference during weeks 5 and 6. Conclusion: A dose of domperidone of 20 mg, 3 times daily instead of 10 mg, 3 times daily was associated with a clinical, but not statistically significant, increase in milk production.