What medications dry up breast milk supply?

Understanding Medications That Can Dry Up Breast Milk Supply
For new mothers, the decision to stop breastfeeding can be a complex one, often accompanied by the need to manage breast milk supply effectively. While the natural process of weaning typically allows for a gradual decrease in milk production, some may seek medical assistance to expedite this process. Certain medications have been identified as effective in reducing breast milk supply, but they come with important considerations.
Key Medications
1. Estrogen: This hormone has been noted for its ability to reduce breast milk supply. It is often prescribed shortly after delivery to help manage lactation. However, research on its effectiveness later in the lactation period, such as during the weaning of a toddler, remains limited. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals before considering estrogen for this purpose.
2. Bromocriptine: Historically, bromocriptine has been used to suppress lactation. It works by inhibiting prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. However, this medication has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects, leading to a reevaluation of its use in postpartum care.
3. Cabergoline: Similar to bromocriptine, cabergoline is another medication that can be prescribed to prevent or reduce breast milk production. It is most effective when taken shortly after childbirth, ideally within 12 to 24 hours. This medication is typically reserved for specific cases, such as when a mother has not yet begun breastfeeding.
4. Decongestants: Over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine can also contribute to a decrease in breast milk supply. These drugs work by reducing bodily secretions, which includes milk production. However, they may have side effects and are subject to regulations in some areas, requiring identification for purchase.
Considerations and Recommendations
While these medications can be effective, it is essential for mothers to approach the decision to use them with caution. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure that the chosen method aligns with individual health needs and circumstances. Additionally, the potential side effects of these medications should be thoroughly discussed, as they can vary from person to person.
For mothers looking to dry up their milk supply, it is also worth noting that natural methods, such as gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions or using supportive garments, can be effective and may carry fewer risks than pharmacological options.
In conclusion, while medications like estrogen, bromocriptine, cabergoline, and certain decongestants can assist in drying up breast milk supply, they should be used judiciously and under medical supervision. Each mother’s situation is unique, and a tailored approach is essential for both health and comfort during the weaning process.

What dries up the milk supply?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

• 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
• Cold turkey.
• Herbs.
• Cabbage.
• Birth control.
• Sudafed.
• Vitamin B.
• Other drugs.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

What medications can decrease milk supply?

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 medicine to avoid while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

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 to dry up milk supply exclusively pumping?

Tip #1 Gradually reduce the number of times you pump
As you consider how to stop pumping milk, avoid cutting down more than one session at a time. Instead, strategically pick a session to drop first. The first one to go will depend on when and how many times a day you’re pumping.

Will Zyrtec dry up milk supply?

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.

What will stop my milk supply?

Take birth control.
Taking estrogen as a part of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation. Most mothers see a drop in milk production after taking one pill a day for one week. Birth control should only be taken under the close supervision of your doctor.

What medication dries up breast milk?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

What tablet dries up milk?

The drug of choice at the Royal Hospital for Women is currently Cabergoline (Dostinex) is a treatment reported and used for mothers with hypergalactia . In low doses cabergoline has been reported to decrease milk supply.