Galactogogues
Definition |
Common Types |
Special Instructions |
Missed Doses |
Side Effects |
Contact us What are Galactagogues?
Medications or other substances used to assist with the initiation, maintenance, or increase in mother's milk production are called galactogogues. The use of galactogogues to increase maternal milk supply are generally considered after evaluation by your health care provider and when a period of increased frequency of breastfeeding or pumping has not been successful.
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Common Galactagogues
Some of the more common galactogogues are described below:
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek is the most commonly recommended herbal galactogogue. It is a member of the pea family listed as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is available over-the-counter in capsules or tea as an herbal remedy. Talk to your health care provider regarding dosage to increase milk supply. Reported side effects are rare and include maple syrup odor to sweat, milk and urine; diarrhea; and increased asthmatic symptoms. Fenugreek is also known to affect blood glucose. Diabetic mothers should talk to their physician before using fenugreek.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Metoclopramide is the most commonly used medication for increasing maternal milk supply, and it is the most well studied. It works by increasing levels of prolactin, the milk producing hormone. Maternal restlessness, drowsiness, fatigue and diarrhea may occur while taking this medication. Other less common side effects are sleeplessness, headache, confusion, dizziness, mental depression and feelings of anxiety or agitation. You should call your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. Metoclopramide does transfer into milk, but research has shown no ill effects in infants whose mothers are taking it.
Domperidone (Motilium)
Domperidone is a medication available outside the United States for the treatment of reflux and vomiting. As a galactogogue, domeperidone increases levels of the milk producing hormone called prolactin. Domperidone is the only galactogogue shown to be safe and effective in increasing breast milk production in a randomized controlled research trial. It has less side effects than metoclopramide (described below) and is less likely to transfer into breast milk. Side effects are very uncommon and include dry mouth, headache and abdominal cramps. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against the use of domperidone in the United States based on safety concerns with intravenous (IV) use and risks associated with drug importation. There is no evidence that oral administration is associated with toxicity in the mother or her breastfed infant.
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Special Instructions
To be effective, consistent regular, frequent breastfeeding or pumping must accompany the use of any galactogogue. Follow your health care providers instructions for milk expression.
Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle / package. Keep medications out of the reach of children.
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Missed Dose
For any medication information related to dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side Effects
Some side effects may occur when using this medication. They are:
- Domperidone: dry mouth, cramping, itching
- Metaclopramide: depression, slurred speech, somnolence
Call your doctor if you experience any unwanted side effects.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 9/07
