What medications dry up milk supply?

Understanding Medications That Dry Up Milk Supply
For many new parents, the decision to stop breastfeeding can be a complex one, often accompanied by the need to manage milk supply effectively. While there are various methods to dry up breast milk, certain medications are specifically known for their ability to inhibit lactation.
Key Medications
1. Cabergoline: This medication is primarily used to treat conditions related to high levels of the hormone prolactin. It is particularly effective in preventing milk production in women who have not yet begun breastfeeding, typically administered shortly after childbirth. Cabergoline works by suppressing prolactin levels, which are crucial for milk production.
2. Bromocriptine: Similar to cabergoline, bromocriptine is another dopamine agonist that reduces prolactin secretion. Historically, it has been used to manage various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and certain types of pituitary tumors. However, its use for drying up breast milk has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects, leading to a reevaluation of its safety and efficacy in this context.
3. Hormonal Birth Control: Certain hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, can also contribute to a decrease in milk supply. These medications work by altering hormonal balances in the body, which can inhibit lactation. It’s important to note that the timing and type of birth control can significantly affect its impact on milk production.
Considerations and Recommendations
While medications can be effective in drying up milk supply, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It’s essential to discuss any potential side effects and the appropriateness of these medications based on individual health circumstances. Additionally, non-pharmacological methods, such as gradually reducing breastfeeding or pumping sessions, can also be effective and may be preferable for some individuals.
In conclusion, while medications like cabergoline and bromocriptine are known to dry up milk supply, their use should be carefully considered alongside other methods and in consultation with a healthcare provider. This ensures a safe and effective approach to managing lactation cessation.

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.

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 medications can reduce milk supply?

There are few indications for using drugs to suppress lactation. Cabergoline has been used, but bromocriptine should be avoided because of maternal deaths.

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.

What medication dries up breast milk supply?

Cabergoline works by stopping your body’s production of prolactin (a hormone that the body releases to help maintain the milk supply). It comes in the form of a tablet that you take by mouth. Most women only need one dose of the medication before their milk supply dries up.

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.

What drugs cause lactation as a side effect?

Possible causes of galactorrhea include:

• Medicines, such as certain sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs.
• Opioid use.
• Herbal supplements, such as fennel, anise or fenugreek seed.
• Birth control pills.

What dries up milk supply fast?

To help dry up your milk supply: 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.

What will stop my 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 pills stop milk production?

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.