From the Guidelines
Bromocriptine is used to suppress lactation. This medication can be considered postpartum to stop lactation, as it may enhance cardiac function recovery 1.
Key Points
- Bromocriptine must be accompanied by prophylactic (or therapeutic) anticoagulation 1
- The use of bromocriptine to suppress lactation is particularly relevant in cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy, where it may help improve cardiac function recovery 1
- It is essential to note that bromocriptine should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as it may have side effects and interact with other medications.
Important Considerations
- Therapy with bromocriptine should be individualized and monitored closely, taking into account the patient's overall health and medical history 1
From the Research
Medications Used to Suppress Lactation
- Cabergoline is a commonly used medication to suppress lactation, with studies showing its efficacy in inhibiting puerperal lactation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The typical dose of cabergoline used for lactation inhibition is 1 mg, administered orally as a single dose or divided into multiple doses 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Cabergoline has been shown to be as effective as bromocriptine in suppressing lactation, with fewer rebound symptoms and adverse effects 2, 6.
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) has also been used as an alternative to cabergoline for lactation inhibition, although its efficacy is lower than that of cabergoline 3.
- The use of cabergoline for lactation inhibition is supported by multiple studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy and Safety of Cabergoline
- Cabergoline has been shown to be effective in inhibiting lactation in 78-100% of women, with a dose-response relationship established 3, 6.
- The most common adverse effects of cabergoline are mild and self-limited, including dizziness, headache, and nausea 3, 6.
- Cabergoline is generally considered safe for use in postpartum women, with few reported drug interactions or contraindications 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to improve postpartum care for women who require lactation inhibition, including the development of universal guidelines for management 5, 6.