Suppression of puerperal lactation by metergoline

Abstract

Based on the known stimulatory effect of serotonin on prolactin secretion, a trial of suppression of puerperal lactation by a potent serotonin antagonist, metergoline, was carried out in 30 puerperal women who did not want to nurse. The drug was administered orally at the dose of 4 mg tid for 5 days to all subjects, starting between 24 and 72 hours from delivery. Lactation was either prevented or rapidly suppressed in all subjects. Rebound of lactation after the end of treatment was observed in 10% of cases. Metergoline administration was associated with a significant suppression of the plasma prolactin levels.