The Effect of Metoclopramide on Prolactin Levels in Breastfeeding Mothers A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Backgrounds: Exclusive breastfeeding is beneficial to not only infants, but also mothers. Since prolactin stimulates milk production, increasing its levels through dopamine antagonists, such asmetoclopramide, may enhance milk production. However, the efficacy of this method should befurther studied. Therefore, this systematic review sought to determine the effects of metoclopramideon prolactin levels in breastfeeding mothers.Material and Method: In this systematic review study, International and National data bases suchas PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Sciences, SID, Magiran, andIranmedex were searched for the keywords of lactation, breastfeeding, prolactin, metoclopramide andbreast milk. Articles published during 1979 to 2016 in either English or Persian was selected. Thereview was limited to human clinical trials examining the effects of metoclopramide on mothers’serum prolactin levels. Two authors independently evaluated the eligibility the studies and cases ofdisagreement were resolved through consensus.Result: Five studies on the effects of metoclopramide on mothers’ serum prolactin levels wereincluded in this systematic review. Based on their results, compared to placebo, two weeks ofmetoclopramide administration did not have significant effects on mothers’ serum prolactin levels(mean difference: 73.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]:-19.99 to 166.11) However, placebo-controlledstudies showed significant changes in prolactin levels after using metoclopramide for three weeks(mean difference: 111.06; 95% CI: 1.93 to 220.20).Conclusion:The result of meta-analysis showed that the use of 10 mg of metoclopramide three timesa day for three weeks increased mothers’ serum prolactin levels after childbirth.