Effect of domperidone on milk production in mothers of premature newborns: a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Orlando P. da Silva*, David C. Knoppert, Michelle M. Angelini and Penelope A.
Forret
From the Departments of *Pediatrics, Pharmacy and Nursing, University of
Western Ontario and St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ont.

   Abstract
Top
Abstract
Methods
Results
Interpretation
References


Background: Varying degrees of success have been reported with strategies to
increase milk production when lactation is failing. The objective of this
study was to investigate the efficacy of domperidone in augmenting milk production
in mothers of premature newborns.
Methods: Twenty patients were randomly assigned to receive either domperidone
or placebo for 7 days. Milk volume was measured daily. Domperidone levels
were measured in randomly selected milk and serum samples on day 5 of the study.
Serum prolactin levels were measured before the start of the study, on day 5
and on day 10 (3 days after the last dose of the study medication).
Results: Data from 16 patients were available for analysis (7 in the
domperidone group and 9 in the placebo group). When compared with baseline values, the
mean increase in the volume of milk production from day 2 to 7 was 49.5
(standard deviation [SD] 29.4) mL in the domperidone group and 8.0 (SD 39.5) mL in
the placebo group (p < 0.05); proportionally this represented an increase of
44.5% and 16.6% respectively. The serum prolactin levels were similar in the 2
groups at baseline; by day 5 they were significantly higher in the domperidone
group than in the placebo group, returning to baseline levels in both groups
3 days after the last dose of the study medication. Very small amounts of
domperidone were detected in the breast milk samples.
Interpretation: In the short term domperidone increases milk production in
women with low milk supply and is detected at low levels in breast milk.
The full article is a FREE download from the journal website.

Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM
Neonatologist
Children's Hospital and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Services
San Diego, CA
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