Prolactin Deficiency Medication

Updated: Sep 20, 2018
  • Author: Charles T Benson, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: George T Griffing, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Currently, no medication exists to treat prolactin deficiency; however, experimental recombinant human prolactin has been formulated and has been shown to be effective in correcting lactational performance in rats treated with bromocriptine.

Inadequate lactation may respond to antidopaminergic agents that block the dopamine-induced hypothalamic inhibitory control of prolactin. Metoclopramide has been shown in prospective, placebo-controlled studies to significantly increase milk yield in patients with inadequate lactation. [24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29] Subfertility caused by hypoprolactinemia may be treated with clomiphene citrate (50 mg/d for 5 d) or with gonadotropins (LH, FSH; dose varies).

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Antidopaminergic agents

Class Summary

These block dopamine-induced inhibitory control of prolactin at the hypothalamic level.

Metoclopramide (Clopra, Maxolon, Reglan)

GI prokinetic agent used for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux, as well as for the prevention of nausea associated with chemotherapy. Metoclopramide has been shown to increase milk yield in patients with inadequate lactation.

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