Is cabergoline safe to use to restore milk? Medication Guide for Breastfeeding Women

Cabergoline is a dopamine receptor agonist mainly used to treat hyperprolactinemia and pituitary prolactinoma. In recent years, it has also been widely used to inhibit postpartum milk secretion (lactation). However, the top question many breastfeeding women have when considering cabergoline is: Is this drug safe? This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the safety of cabergoline used to restore milk from aspects such as its mechanism of action, clinical research and precautions.

Cabergoline inhibits the secretion of prolactin (PRL) from the anterior pituitary gland by activating dopamineD2 receptors, thereby reducing milk secretion. Compared with traditional milk-returning drugs (such as bromocriptine), cabergoline has the characteristics of long half-life, low dosage frequency (usually only need to be taken 1-2 times) and fewer side effects, so it has gradually become one of the first-choice drugs for milk-returning clinically.

Clinical studies have shown that cabergoline is highly safe when used to restore milk. Most breastfeeding women will experience a rapid decrease in breast milk secretion after taking cabergoline, with few side effects. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue, which are usually mild to moderate and resolve upon discontinuation of the drug. However, a small number of patients may experience serious side effects, such as hypotension, arrhythmia, or psychiatric symptoms (such as hallucinations, depression), and need to stop taking the drug immediately and seek medical attention.

When using cabergoline, lactating women should pay attention to the following points: First, cabergoline is usually used in the early postpartum period to quickly inhibit milk secretion. Women should take medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid adjusting the dosage or extending the medication time on their own. Second, cabergoline should be avoided in patients who are allergic to cabergoline, have valvular heart disease, or have uncontrolled hypertension. In addition, women need to closely observe physical changes during medication and seek medical attention promptly if serious side effects occur.

Reference materials:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20863-cabergoline-tablets