Inhibition of prolactin and lactation by methylergometrine hydrogenmaleate.
Reports on the effect of methylergometrine hydrogenmaleate (MEM) on prolactin (PRL) secretion and lactation are still controversial. Therefore a prospective study was designed to follow the influence of MEM on post-partum PRL levels and milk production. MEM was given orally to 30 post-partum women from day 1 to day 7 in a daily dose of 0.6 mg. Thirty untreated women served as control. PRL plasma levels and milk yield were compared at day 1, 3 and 7. PRL levels were significantly lower in the treated group at day 7 (P less than 0.01), while the difference at day 3 was statistically not significant. Milk yield was significantly reduced at day 3 (P less than 0.05) and day 7 (P less than 0.01). These results indicate PRL inhibiting properties of MEM resulting consequently in reduced lactation.
D003864:Depression, Chemical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008755:Methylergonovine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D011388:Prolactin; D008755:Methylergonovine