[Cabergoline in the inhibition of lactogenesis and suppression of lactopoiesis].

Introduction And Aims: 1) Evaluate the capacity of cabergoline to inhibit lactogenesis by the administration of a single dose of 1 mg within 24 h of birth, primary inhibition. 2) Evaluate the capacity of cabergoline to suppress lactopoiesis (lactation) by the administration of 0.25 mg twice a day for 2 days, secondary inhibition. 3) Evaluate the collateral effects of cabergoline at these two doses. 4) Evaluate the reduction rate of prolactin (PRL) at 4 and 14 days after cabergoline administration.

Experimental Protocol: A prospective study was performed from 1/2/1995 to 31/1/1996 in 100 puerperae with indications for lactation with follow-up at 4 and 14 days after drug administration. The study was performed in the Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Sanremo Hospital in collaboration with the Analysis Service.

Results: Cabergoline inhibited primary and secondary lactation in all the puerperae examined. In 92% of cases lactation was suppressed following a single dose whereas a second treatment cycle was required in 8%. Twenty-two cases reported slight collateral effects without the need to resort to additional treatment. In 4 cases the collateral effects were of moderate intensity and it was necessary to administer symptomatic treatment. Mean levels of serum PRL at 4 and 14 days after cabergoline administration were respectively 12.5 and 18.2 ng/ml.

Conclusions: Cabergoline, a new dopaminergic drug with long-term inhibition of PRL production and secretion, can inhibit lactogenesis and lactopoies in 92% of cases at a dose of 1 mg; it can reduce long-term PRL levels (18.2 ng/ml) and in 4% it is necessary to resort to symptomatic treatment of the undesirable effects caused.