FENUGREEK -
AN ALTERNATIVE TO DOMPERIDONE

The title of the article is, "Effect of domperidone on milk production in mothers of premature newborns: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial"

Fenugreek is promoted as an aid to increasing breast milk production.

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Compounders are often asked to prepare Domperidone (Motilium™)  for women who want to increase their milk production. It is a drug that has, as a side effect, the increasing of milk production, probably by increasing prolactin production by the pituitary gland. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates the cells in the mother's breast to produce milk.

Domperidone is officially used for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and has not been released in Canada or the United States for use as a stimulant for milk production. There are several studies that show that it works to increase milk production and that it is safe. Another, related, but older medication, metoclopramide (Reglan™), is also known to increase milk production, but it has frequent side effects which have made its use for many nursing mothers unacceptable (fatigue, irritability, depression). Domperidone has many fewer side effects because it does not enter the brain tissue in significant amounts (does not pass the blood-brain barrier).

In June of 2004, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the US put out a warning against using domperidone because of possible cardiac side effects (click HERE for the FDA paper). This unfortunate step was taken without considering the fact that the cardiac side effects occurred only when the drug was taken intravenously by very sick patients. They did not evaluate the use of Domperidone by breast feeding women.

Some compounding pharmacies continue to provide patients with Domperidone upon the direct order from the physician. But, it is getting more and more difficult to obtain the pure Domperidone powder from the chemical suppliers. The strong arm of the FDA has great influence on everyone involved with medicines. Sometimes, though, their good intentions backfire. Safe, useful drugs are banned while other drugs receive approvals, and then go on to kill thousands of people before they can be recalled from the market.

I think Domperidone is safe and I know many people who have used it and found it to be very effective. But, when a powerful government agency speaks it is wise to listen. If you find a need for improved milk production and your doctor orders Domperidone, you may have difficulty obtaining it. If so, you may want to consider using Fenugreek. There is information on the internet about this herbal remedy and it appears that it is effective in increasing breast milk production. I don't have first hand experience with Fenugreek like I do with Domperidone so I can't make a specific recommendation. Instead I am offering a few links to respected website where there is more information about Fenugreek.

• Fenugreek Seed for Increasing Breast Milk Production (from kellymom.com)

• Can the herb fenugreek increase a mom's milk supply? (frombabycenter.com)

• Boosting Your Breast Milk Supply (from about.com)

• Fenugreek - An Effective Remedy for Low Breast Milk

Fenugreek Seed 610mg, 180 capsules per bottle Add to Cart

FDA Warns Against Women Using Unapproved Drug, Domperidone, to Increase Milk Production