Bromocriptine compared to long-acting estrogens in lactation prevention: clinical efficacy, prolactin secretion and coagulation parameters

Lactation inhibition by a single injection of a new depot-bromocriptine

Recently, long-acting injectable forms of bromocriptine have become available for the prevention of lactation. The first developed depot-form was very effective, but had the disadvantage of a slowly metabolized carrier. we investigated the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, tolerance and safety of 40 and 50 mg of a new rapidly eliminated depot-form in 61 postpartum women. Bromocriptine rapidly increased after injection and prolactin was effectively suppressed during the study-period of 60 days. Overall efficacy was very good or good in 98% and no rebound lactation occurred. Sixteen women experienced side effects. Tolerance at the injection site was good and safety tests did not show abnormalities. There were no differences between the two dosages. We conclude that this new depot-bromocriptine is a safe, well tolerated and effective drug in the suppression of prolactin and the prevention of post-partum lactation.

Inhibition of puerperal lactation by means of a single injection of bromocriptine retard

The efficacy, tolerance and acceptability of a single i.m. injection of 50 mg bromocriptine retard (in polylactic acid microspheres), given within 12 h after delivery for suppression of lactation, were investigated in 47 mothers not willing to breast-feed. Slight to moderate breast discomfort was noticed during the first postpartum days in 23% of the patients but lactation was indeed prevented in all cases and no rebound lactation occurred in any case. Only six patients exhibited at least two symptoms of mammary engorgement (congestion and pain or milk let-down): in this group, blood mean PRL levels were significantly less suppressed on postpartum days 2, 6, 21 and 28 (p less than 0.05 to p less than 0.001) than in the group of mothers completely free of any mammary symptoms. Slight side-effects (mostly dizziness), as mentioned at systematic request, were recorded in 34% of the patients; only 3 patients required treatment for their side-effects. Recovery of ovarian function was evident quite early (by day 28 in 72% of the patients), thus requiring early onset of contraception.