Efficacy of bromocriptine versus breast binders as inhibitors of postpartum lactation

Fifty postpartum patients were randomly given either bromocriptine (2.5 mg by mouth b.i.d. X 30 doses) or breast binders for inhibiting lactation. The breast binder group had a high incidence of symptoms (breast pain, engorgement, secretion) for the first week postpartum; these symptoms rapidly decreased by the second week. Bromocriptine successfully suppressed the breast problems in virtually all of the patients who took the drug correctly. Because of the high rate of side effects and a significant incidence of "rebound," the dosage of bromocriptine should probably be changed, and we recommend a revised dosage.