What medication dries up milk supply?

Understanding Medications That Dry Up Milk Supply
For mothers looking to reduce or eliminate their breast milk supply, several medications and methods can assist in this process. While some women may prefer natural remedies, others might consider pharmaceutical options. Here’s a detailed look at the medications that can effectively dry up milk supply.
Key Medications
1. Bromocriptine: This medication has been under scrutiny for its side effects but is known to suppress prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Bromocriptine is often prescribed to help women who wish to stop breastfeeding quickly. However, due to potential side effects, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Pseudoephedrine: Commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications like Sudafed, pseudoephedrine can also help reduce milk supply. It works by constricting blood vessels and has been noted to decrease lactation. However, it is crucial to discuss its use with a doctor, especially for those with underlying health conditions such as kidney or thyroid issues.
3. Antihistamines: Certain antihistamines, particularly diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl), may also contribute to a decrease in milk supply. While the effect may not be significant for all breastfeeding mothers, it can be a consideration for those looking to reduce their milk production.
Natural Alternatives
In addition to medications, some mothers may explore herbal remedies. For instance, sage tea is often recommended due to its natural estrogen content, which can help in reducing milk supply. Drinking sage tea made from dried leaves can be an effective method for some women.
Considerations and Recommendations
While these medications can be effective, it is vital for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any treatment. 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 conditions is crucial.
In summary, medications like bromocriptine, pseudoephedrine, and certain antihistamines can assist in drying up breast milk supply. However, the decision to use these should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

What happens if I don’t breastfeed for 3 days?

You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is called engorgement. It usually gets better after several days. Over time, your body will stop making milk if you don’t breastfeed or pump.

Does Mucinex dry up breast milk?

Neela. “Just as they dry up your nasal congestion, they can also dry up your breast milk. Usually, antihistamines and nasal decongestants are the ingredients that have this effect on breastmilk.”

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

How do I stop breastfeeding straight away?

If you need to stop nursing your baby immediately, you can use an automatic or semi-automatic electric breast pump or hand expression to relieve discomfort while you decrease your milk production. This will mean the hormonal changes are more gradual.

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.

What medication dries up breast milk supply?

3 Medications That Can Dry Up Your Breast Milk Supply

• Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply.
• Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

What medication is used to stop breastfeeding?

Using medication to stop your breast milk
Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

What dries up milk supply fast?

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.

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 many doses of Sudafed to dry up milk?

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.