What medications induce lactation?

Understanding Medications That Induce Lactation
Inducing lactation is a process that allows individuals, particularly adoptive mothers, to breastfeed without having been pregnant. While the concept may seem straightforward, the medications that facilitate this process are complex and often not officially approved for such use.
Galactogogues: The Medications Behind Lactation Induction
The term galactogogue refers to substances that promote lactation in humans and animals. While there are no medications specifically approved by the FDA for inducing lactation, several drugs have been identified as effective in increasing milk production. The most notable among these are domperidone and metoclopramide.
1. Domperidone: This medication is primarily used to treat nausea and vomiting. It works by blocking dopamine receptors, which in turn stimulates the release of prolactin, a hormone crucial for milk production. Domperidone has gained popularity in various countries for its lactation-inducing properties, despite not being FDA-approved for this purpose in the United States. It is generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects can include cardiac issues and gastrointestinal disturbances.
2. Metoclopramide: Similar to domperidone, metoclopramide also acts on dopamine receptors to enhance prolactin secretion. However, its use is often limited due to side effects such as fatigue, irritability, and depression, which can be significant enough to deter nursing mothers from its use. A systematic review has shown that while metoclopramide can be effective in increasing milk supply, the side effects may outweigh the benefits for some individuals.
The Role of Hormones in Lactation
The process of lactation is heavily influenced by hormonal changes in the body. Prolactin, produced by the pituitary gland, is essential for milk production. When medications like domperidone and metoclopramide increase prolactin levels, they can help initiate and maintain lactation. However, the effectiveness of these medications can vary based on individual circumstances, including the timing of administration and the overall health of the individual.
Natural Alternatives and Herbal Galactagogues
In addition to pharmaceutical options, many individuals turn to herbal remedies known as galactagogues. These natural substances have been used for centuries in various cultures to enhance milk production. Common examples include fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle. While these herbs are generally considered safe, their efficacy can vary, and scientific evidence supporting their use is often limited.
Conclusion: A Personalized Approach to Inducing Lactation
Inducing lactation is a deeply personal journey that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including medical history and individual response to medications. While drugs like domperidone and metoclopramide can be effective, they come with potential risks that must be weighed carefully. For those considering this path, consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in lactation can provide valuable guidance tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

What medication can cause lactation when not pregnant?

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.

How to stimulate your breasts to produce milk?

Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you’re away from your baby, can help build your milk supply. Relax and massage. Relax, hold your baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your milk to let down. Take care of yourself.

How can I induce lactation if not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

What medication stimulates breast milk?

Domperidone is the medicine of choice if medical treatment is required for low milk supply. Use 10mg three times daily, initially for 7 days then review. Limited evidence shows negligible amounts of domperidone pass into breast milk.

Is there a drug that induces lactation?

No drugs specifically designed to induce or enhance lactation have yet been approved by the U.S, Food & Drug Administration. However, a few medications typically prescribed for other reasons, such as the drug metoclopramide, have also been shown to stimulate or enhance milk production in some cases.

Is there any medicine to get breast milk?

Domperidone is the most effective medicine used to improve breast milk supply. It was developed to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gastric reflux, but has been found to be effective when used to increase milk supply.

Which medicine produces breast milk without pregnancy?

Induced lactation depends on the successful replication of this process. If you have months to prepare, your health care provider might prescribe hormone therapy — such as supplemental estrogen or progesterone — to mimic the effects of pregnancy. Hormone therapy may last for months.

How much Adderall goes into breast milk?

There are no known negative effects on nursing babies when their parent takes less than 45 mg/day Adderall® (amphetamine) or 80 mg/day Ritalin® (methylphenidate). You can feed your baby infant formula, donor milk, or milk you pumped before taking stimulants.

How to induce lactation if not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

What are the best pills for inducing lactation?

Pills: There are two pills commonly recommended for inducing lactation, domperidone and metoclopramide; neither of which is FDA approved to be prescribed for the purpose.