Single dose cabergoline versus bromocriptine in inhibition of puerperal lactation: randomised, double blind, multicentre study. European Multicentre Study Group for Cabergoline in Lactation Inhibition.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of a single dose of 1 mg of cabergoline with that of bromocriptine 2.5 mg twice daily for 14 days in the inhibition of puerperal lactation.


METHODS
Prospective, randomised, double blind, parallel group, multicentre study.


METHODS
University of hospital departments of obstetrics and gynaecology in different European countries.


METHODS
272 puerperal women not wishing to lactate (136 randomised to each drug).


METHODS
Women randomised to cabergoline received two 0.5 mg tablets of cabergoline and one placebo tablet within 27 hours after delivery and then placebo twice daily for 14 days. Those randomised to bromocriptine received 2.5 mg of bromocriptine and two placebo tablets within 27 hours and then 2.5 mg of bromocriptine twice daily for 14 days.


METHODS
Success of treatment (complete or partial) according to milk secretion, breast engorgement, and breast pain; rebound symptomatology; serum prolactin concentrations; and number of adverse events.


RESULTS
Complete success was achieved in 106 of 136 women randomised to cabergoline and in 94 of 136 randomised to bromocriptine and partial success in 21 and 33 women respectively. Rebound breast symptomatology occurred respectively in five and 23 women with complete success up to day 15 (p less than 0.0001). Serum prolactin concentrations dropped considerably with both drugs from day 2 to day 15; a prolactin secretion rebound effect was observed in women treated with bromocriptine. cabergoline and 36 receiving bromocriptine (p = 0.054), occurring most during the first treatment day.


CONCLUSIONS
A single 1 mg dose of cabergoline is at least as effective as bromocriptine 2.5 mg twice daily for 14 days in preventing puerperal lactation. Because of the considerably lower rate of rebound breast activity and adverse events and the simpler administration schedule cabergoline should be the drug of choice for lactation inhibition.
D000328:Adult; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077465:Cabergoline; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004873:Ergolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D004873:Ergolines; D001971:Bromocriptine; D000077465:Cabergoline