What drugs are best to dry up breast milk?

Understanding Medications to Dry Up Breast Milk
For mothers looking to reduce or stop breast milk production, several medications and methods can assist in this process. While some women may prefer natural methods, others may seek pharmaceutical options. Here’s a detailed look at the most common drugs used to dry up breast milk, their effectiveness, and considerations for use.
Common Medications
1. Bromocriptine: This medication has historically been used to suppress lactation. Bromocriptine works by inhibiting prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. However, it has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects, including severe headaches and cardiovascular issues. The FDA has issued warnings about its use, particularly in postpartum women, leading to a decline in its popularity for this purpose.
2. Cabergoline: Similar to bromocriptine, cabergoline is another dopamine agonist that can effectively reduce prolactin levels. It is often preferred over bromocriptine due to a more favorable side effect profile and less frequent dosing. However, like any medication, it should be used under medical supervision to monitor for adverse effects.
3. Antihistamines: Some over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl), have been noted to potentially reduce milk supply. While they are primarily used for allergic reactions, their sedative properties can also lead to decreased lactation. However, the impact may vary based on individual circumstances, and they are not specifically indicated for this purpose.
4. Hormonal Birth Control: Certain hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, can also help in drying up breast milk. Estrogen can inhibit prolactin production, thus reducing milk supply. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any hormonal treatment, especially postpartum.
Natural and Non-Pharmaceutical Methods
In addition to medications, many mothers explore natural methods to reduce milk supply. These can include:
– Vitamin B: Some studies suggest that Vitamin B6 may help limit lactation in women who have not yet started producing milk.
– Herbal Remedies: Certain herbal teas, such as sage and peppermint, are believed to have properties that can help reduce milk supply. However, the efficacy of these remedies can vary widely among individuals.
Considerations and Recommendations
While there are several options available for drying up breast milk, it is crucial for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any medication or method. Each woman’s body responds differently, and what works for one may not work for another. Additionally, understanding the potential side effects and ensuring that the chosen method aligns with personal health circumstances is vital.
In conclusion, while bromocriptine and cabergoline are the most recognized medications for drying up breast milk, antihistamines and hormonal contraceptives also play a role. Natural methods can complement these approaches, but professional guidance is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What is the fastest way to stop breastfeeding?

Reduce breast-feeding sessions slowly
An easier strategy is to reduce breast-feeding sessions slowly over several weeks. Start with the session that seems least important to the baby or the one in which the baby eats the least. Give the baby a few days to adjust before stopping the next feeding session.

What can I use if I want to stop breastfeeding?

Combining breast milk and formula
You can start by replacing 1 of your baby’s regular daily breastfeeds with a bottle (or, if your baby is over 6 months, a cup or beaker) of formula, instead.

Does Benadryl dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

How do I get rid of breast milk ASAP?

One of the main things a person can do to dry up breast milk is avoid nursing or pumping. The supply of breast milk increases with demand. Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk.

What medications dry up breast milk?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

What dries up breast milk fast?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

How to stop breastfeeding quickly?

Suppressing milk supply after weeks or months of breastfeeding

1. Start by expressing as many times as you had been breastfeeding, or less depending on your own comfort.
2. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you express each time and/or drop one expression every 3 to 4 days.
3. When you are ready, simply stop expressing.

How quickly does Sudafed dry up milk?

Pseudoephedrine is secreted into breastmilk in low levels. In one study (Findlay 1984) the calculated dose that would be absorbed by the infant was very low (0.4 to 0.6% of the maternal dose). However in a study of 8 women a single 60 mg dose of pseudoephedrine reduced milk supply by 24% over a 24 hour period.

Which drug is used to stop lactation?

Two trials (107 women) reported that taking bromocriptine was better than no treatment in suppressing lactation in the first week after giving birth. The 11 trials using oestrogen preparations (diethylstilbestrol, quinestrol, chlorotrianisene, hexestrol) also showed suppression of lactation.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.