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Suppression of puerperal lactation by metergoline
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Metergoline, a serotonin antagonist, effectively suppressed postpartum lactation in 30 women. This drug significantly lowered prolactin levels, preventing or rapidly stopping milk production with minimal rebound.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Serotonin is known to stimulate prolactin secretion.
- Postpartum lactation requires management for women who choose not to breastfeed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of metergoline, a serotonin antagonist, in suppressing puerperal lactation.
- To assess the impact of metergoline on plasma prolactin levels in postpartum women.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving 30 postpartum women who opted against nursing.
- Oral administration of metergoline at 4 mg three times daily for 5 days, initiated 24-72 hours postpartum.
Main Results:
- Lactation was successfully prevented or rapidly suppressed in all participants.
- Metergoline administration led to a significant reduction in plasma prolactin levels.
- A 10% incidence of lactation rebound was observed after treatment cessation.
Conclusions:
- Metergoline is an effective agent for the suppression of puerperal lactation.
- The drug's mechanism involves the antagonism of serotonin's stimulatory effect on prolactin.
- Metergoline offers a viable pharmacological option for managing non-breastfeeding postpartum women.