Definition

Noun: * An agent that reduces or suppresses milk secretion: A substance, typically a medication, given to a person (most commonly a postpartum woman) to stop or diminish the production of breast milk.

Usage

This is a highly specialized medical term. It is used in clinical, pharmacological, or veterinary contexts to describe the purpose of a drug or treatment. * The doctor prescribed a lactifuge to help dry up her milk supply after she decided not to breastfeed. * In some cases, a strong decongestant can have an incidental lactifuge effect.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast with its opposite, a galactagogue (an agent that increases milk supply).
• It can be applied in veterinary medicine for animals.

Variants and Related Words

• Lactifugal (adjective): Having the property of checking milk secretion.
  • The medication has a lactifugal effect.

Synonyms

• Antigalactic
• Milk suppressor

Antonyms

• Galactagogue
• Lactagogue

Noun

1. any agent that reduces milk secretion (as given to a woman who is not breast feeding)