Safety and Efficacy of Galactogogues: Substances that Induce, Maintain and Increase Breast Milk Production

Authors

  • Antonio Alberto Zuppa
  • Paola Sindico
  • Claudia Orchi
  • Chiara Carducci
  • Valentina Cardiello
  • Piero Catenazzi
  • Costantino Romagnoli
  • Piero Catenazzi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3DS3R

Abstract

Poor production of breast milk is the most frequent cause of breast lactation failure. Often, physician prescribe medications or other substances to solve this problem. The use of galactogogues should be limited to those situations in which reduced milk production from treatable causes has been excluded. One of the most frequent indication for the use of galactogogues is the diminution of milk production in mothers using indirect lactation, particularly in the case of preterm birth. The objective of this review is to analyze to the literature relating to the principal drugs used as galactogogues (metoclopramide, domperidone, chlorpromazine, sulpiride, oxytocin, growth hormone, thyrotrophin releasing hormone, medroxyprogesterone). Have been also analyzed galactogogues based on herbs and other natural substances (fenugreek, galega and milk thistle). We have evaluated their mechanism of action, transfer to maternal milk, effectiveness and potential side effects for mother and infant, suggested doses for galactogogic effect, and recommendation for breastfeeding.

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Author Biographies

Antonio Alberto Zuppa

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Paola Sindico

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Claudia Orchi

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Chiara Carducci

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Valentina Cardiello

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Piero Catenazzi

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Costantino Romagnoli

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

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Published

2010-05-26

How to Cite

Zuppa, A. A., Sindico, P., Orchi, C., Carducci, C., Cardiello, V., Catenazzi, P., … Catenazzi, P. (2010). Safety and Efficacy of Galactogogues: Substances that Induce, Maintain and Increase Breast Milk Production. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 13(2), 162–174. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3DS3R

Issue

Section

Review Articles