Galactagogue
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(see also galactogogue)
Look up galactagogue in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
A galactagogue is a substance that induces lactation.[1]
The most commonly cited galactagogues are herbal. Clinical evidence for their efficacy is often lacking.[2] The most popular of these are:
Others include:
- anise
- astragalus root
- boza
- burdock
- nettle
- fennel
- flax
- soapwort
- vervain
- red raspberry leaf
- marshmallow
The most effective galactagogues are medications, available usually by medical prescription. These include domperidone and metoclopramide. Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist, is not approved for enhanced lactation.[3][4] Some drugs, primarily atypical antipsychotics such as Risperdal, may cause lactation in both women and men.
See also
References
- ^ OED
- ^ Herbs for lactation
- ^ The Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine: ABM Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting maternal milk supply. Copy available as PDF
- ^ da Silva, Orlando P. and Knoppert, David C.: Health and drug alerts: Domperidone for lactating women, Canadian Medical Association Newsletter SEPT. 28, 2004. Copy available as PDF