Alactin

Alactin is used to slow down the processes of physiological lactation.

The active component of the drug is an ergoline derivative, which is related to the bound alkaloid of ergot and demonstrates powerful and prolonged prolactin-lowering activity (the intensity depends on the portion size). Blood prolactin levels after the administration of the drug decrease after 3 hours (on average), and the effect lasts for 14-20 days. Thus, to stop milk secretion, a single use of Alactin is enough.

Indications Alactina

It is used in the combined treatment of pituitary adenoma with the release of prolactin against its background, as well as hyperprolactinemia.

It can be prescribed to prevent or suppress the processes of physiological lactation, which begins after childbirth (in connection with medical recommendations).

Release form

The drug is released in tablets, 2 or 8 pieces per pack.

Pharmacodynamics

Due to the introduction of the drug in hyperprolactinemia, the blood values of prolactin are stabilized (upon reaching certain indicators of cabergoline). At the same time, the drug does not affect the secretion processes of other pituitary hormones.

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Pharmacokinetics

When administered orally, the drug is fully absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Food intake does not affect the absorption of cabergoline. The blood Cmax level is recorded after 3 hours.

It is synthesized with protein at a moderate level. During biotransformation, several metabolic elements are formed, but only carboxy-ergoline has medicinal activity.

The excretion period is quite long and in people with hyperprolactinemia it is 80-110 hours. It is excreted together with feces and urine.

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is taken orally with food.

Suppression of postpartum lactation.

It is necessary to take 1 tablet of the drug once during the first day after delivery. The size of the therapeutic dose is 1 mg of the drug. To suppress existing lactation, it is necessary to take 0.25 mg of the drug at 12-hour intervals during the period of 2 days (the total dose is a maximum of 1 mg).

Therapy for hyperprolactinemia.

Alactin should be taken 1-2 times a week. Therapy begins with the use of lower doses of the drug - 0.25 or 0.5 mg per week. According to the indications, the dosage can be gradually increased by 0.5 mg per week with a 1-month interval, until the development of the drug effect.

The standard therapeutic dose is 1 mg per week with possible variations within 0.25-2 mg. A maximum of 3 mg of the drug can be used per day. If necessary, the weekly dose can be divided into several uses. Usually, the weekly dose is divided when using a dose over 1 mg.

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Use Alactina during pregnancy

There are no adequately controlled studies of cabergoline use in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown no teratogenic effects, but there is information on embryotoxicity and decreased fertility, which are related to pharmacodynamic parameters.

There are reports of severe congenital malformations or miscarriages occurring after the use of cabergoline in pregnant women. The most common neonatal defects were musculoskeletal disorders and cardiopulmonary anomalies. There are no reports of perinatal disorders or subsequent development of children after intrauterine exposure to cabergoline.

It is necessary to make sure that there is no pregnancy before starting treatment and to monitor the possibility of its occurrence for at least another month after completion of therapy. If conception occurs during treatment, the course should be discontinued after pregnancy is diagnosed – to limit the effect of the substance on the fetus.

After stopping taking Alactin, you must continue to use contraceptives for at least another month.

Since cabergoline inhibits the lactation process, the medication is not prescribed during breastfeeding.

Cabergoline or its metabolic components were excreted in milk in rats. There are no data on excretion in human milk, but it is recommended to avoid breastfeeding if lactation is not suppressed after administration of cabergoline.

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Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance associated with ergot alkaloids;
• problems with liver function;
• preeclampsia or eclampsia;
• increase in blood pressure after childbirth;
• cardiac valvulopathy;
• history of psychosis that developed after childbirth.

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Side effects Alactina

Main side effects:

• dizziness, depression, drowsiness, headaches, severe fatigue, loss of consciousness, cardiac valvulopathy and paresthesia;
• decreased blood pressure, nosebleeds, tachycardia, pain in the sternum area;
• constipation, nausea and stomach pain;
• facial hyperemia and cramps affecting the calf muscles.

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Overdose

Using Alactin in large doses can cause nausea, hallucinations, stomach upset, decreased blood pressure, psychosis and vomiting.

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Interactions with other drugs

It is prohibited to combine the medication with other drugs that contain other ergot alkaloids.

Alactin should not be combined with dopamine antagonists (including butyrophenone, metoclopramide with thioxanthene and phenothiazine), as well as with macrolides (erythromycin).

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Storage conditions

Alactin should be stored at temperatures no higher than 25°C.

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Shelf life

Alactin can be used within a 3-year period from the date of manufacture of the medicinal substance.

Application for children

There is no information regarding the efficacy and safety of administering the drug to persons under 16 years of age.

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Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Dostinex, Norprolak with Bromocriptine-KV, and Bromocriptine-Richter.

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Reviews

Alactin receives very good reviews from most women.