SUPPRESSION OF PUERPERAL LACTATION BY METERGOLINE

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 51  (1) , 113-115
Abstract
Based on the known stimulatory effect of serotonin on prolactin secretion, a trial of suppression of puerperal lactation by a potent serotonin antagonist, metergoline, was carried out in 30 puerperal women who did not want to nurse. The drug was administered orally at the dose of 4 mg 3 times/day for 5 days to all subjects starting between 24 and 72 h from delivery. Lactation was either prevented or rapidly suppressed in all subjects. Rebound of lactation after the end of treatment was observed in 10% of cases. Metergoline administration was associated with a significant suppression of the plasma prolactin levels.