Domperidone Use in Pregnancy

Risk Assessment and Clinical Recommendations

• The American Heart Association recommends avoiding drugs in the first trimester when the risk of congenital malformations is greatest, and for medications with limited safety data like domperidone, use during pregnancy may only be justified if benefits clearly outweigh risks, with the lowest recommended dose used initially 1
• For gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy, consider safer alternatives with established safety profiles during pregnancy, and for severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, medications like metoclopramide have more established safety data 2
• If a medication is absolutely necessary during pregnancy for severe gastrointestinal symptoms, consult with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to select agents with better established safety profiles, such as metoclopramide (when benefits outweigh risks) 2