{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Is Cabergoline Safe and Effective for Postpartum Lactation Inhibition? A Systematic Review.
{Author}: Yang Y;Boucoiran I;Tulloch KJ;Poliquin V;
{Journal}: Int J Womens Health
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2020
{Factor}: 2.59
{DOI}: 10.2147/IJWH.S232693
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Despite its benefits, there are some situations where breastfeeding is impossible or not recommended. Breast milk secretion and engorgement can be distressing to these non-breastfeeding women. There is currently no universal guideline on the most appropriate management for these women. Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, in lactation inhibition in postpartum women.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Studies were identified through electronic database searching (Cochrane library, EMBASE, Medline, IPA and Scopus) to identify all relevant studies that evaluated the use of cabergoline as a lactation inhibitor in postpartum women. Citations were screened and a narrative synthesis was undertaken given the heterogeneity of study designs.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of six randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. Majority of the studies recruited healthy postpartum women electing for lactation inhibition for personal reasons. A range of 0.4 mg to 1 mg of cabergoline was given within 0 to 50 hrs of delivery. Dose-response relationship is established, and the highest rate of complete success was achieved with 1 mg of cabergoline, with time to cessation between 0 and 1 day. Cabergoline is non-inferior to bromocriptine for lactation inhibition while also associated with fewer rebound symptoms and adverse effects. Commonly reported adverse effects of cabergoline (eg, dizziness, headache and nausea) are self-limited.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Cabergoline is simple, effective and generally safe when given to postpartum women either wishing or needing to suppress lactation. Further research is needed to improve postpartum care of these women.