Which of the following is a common example of a lactation suppressant medication?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Cabergoline is a potent dopamine D2 receptor agonist.
Dopamine naturally inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland.
By mimicking dopamine, Cabergoline effectively suppresses prolactin secretion, which in turn inhibits lactation (milk production).
It is considered a first-line drug for hyperprolactinemia and for the suppression of postpartum lactation due to its high efficacy and long duration of action.

Option A: Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist. It blocks dopamine's inhibitory effect, leading to increased prolactin levels and promoting milk production.
Option B: Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production (lactogenesis). It is the target of suppressant medications, not the suppressant itself.
Option C: Domperidone, like Metoclopramide, is a dopamine antagonist. It increases prolactin secretion and is used to enhance lactation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology of Lactation Suppression as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must understand the difference between lactation suppressants and galactagogues for effective postpartum counseling.
Administering a lactation suppressant is a critical intervention when breastfeeding is contraindicated due to maternal health (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy) or following a stillbirth or neonatal death, providing both physical and psychological comfort.
A nurse's role includes educating the patient about the potential side effects of Cabergoline, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea, and advising them to rise slowly to prevent postural hypotension.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'lactation suppressant'. This means you are looking for a drug that stops or reduces milk production.
Recall the basic hormonal control of lactation: Prolactin stimulates milk production, and dopamine from the hypothalamus inhibits prolactin release.
Analyze the options based on this mechanism. A drug that suppresses lactation must either inhibit prolactin or mimic dopamine.
Evaluate each option: Metoclopramide and Domperidone are known GI motility agents that act as dopamine antagonists, which would increase prolactin. Prolactin is the hormone itself, not a suppressant.
Identify Cabergoline as a dopamine agonist. An agonist mimics the natural substance, so a dopamine agonist will inhibit prolactin, thus suppressing lactation.
Conclude that Cabergoline is the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QVDKtdiCck7p-lHIR57gI6

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 1 p. 288-290

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1185-1187

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1056-1058

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.