Contralac

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Contralac

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Contralac

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Metergoline
Form Oral Tablets (Comprimidos)
Pharmacological Class Prolactin Inhibitor, Serotonin Antagonist
General Purpose Suppression of unwanted lactation
Origin Synthetic (Ergoline Derivative)

1. Defining Contralac: Product Type and Classification

Contralac is a veterinary medicinal product available in an oral tablet form, specifically classified as a prolactin inhibitor. Its primary role is to act as an anti-prolactin agent, directly interfering with the neuroendocrine signals responsible for stimulating milk production. This class of medication acts in hormone regulation. This classification places it within the functional group of monoaminergic medications derived from the ergoline chemical structure. Contralac is a targeted therapeutic tool intended exclusively for use in target species, primarily canine (bitches) and feline (cats), a distinctive feature of its specialized formulation.


2. Active Composition and Origin: What is Metergoline?

The sole active ingredient in Contralac is Metergoline, a synthetic compound derived from an ergoline chemical structure. Contralac is a single-ingredient product, where Metergoline is combined with solid excipients to form the final tablet base. This active substance possesses a dual-action profile, functioning as a serotonin antagonist while also exhibiting dopamine agonist activity. This synthetic origin ensures consistency and a predictable pharmacological action, offering a chemically precise tool unlike natural extracts. The composition is formulated specifically for oral administration in animals.


3. General Purpose: The Role of an Anti-Prolactin Agent

The general purpose of Contralac is to deliver an anti-prolactin action to inhibit or suppress unwanted lactation (milk production). By blocking the hormonal signals that drive milk secretion, the medication provides a targeted method of managing conditions where mammary gland activity must be curtailed. This capability is applied in clinical settings for the resolution of pseudogestation (false pregnancy) and the termination of established, unwanted postpartum lactation in bitches. The drug’s focused mechanism is designed for achieving the cessation of milk production.

What side effects are possible with Contralac?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Contralac (Metergoline) is primarily characterized by adverse effects impacting the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. These reactions are often documented as being dose-dependent and typically transient, meaning they are temporary.

Documented Adverse Reactions

The incidence of adverse effects is highest at the initiation of treatment, usually on the first day, and the effects are often self-limiting, decreasing in intensity with repeated doses. The adverse reactions are categorized by the systems they affect in official product documentation:

System-Organ Class Common Adverse Reactions Specific Incidence
Gastrointestinal Vomiting (Emesis), Diarrhoea, Anorexia (Loss of appetite) Diarrhoea: up to 30%; Vomiting: up to 25%
Nervous System Depression, Prostration, Nervousness, Ataxia Not specified
Behavioral Increased excitability, Whimpering, Aggressiveness Not specified

Safety Constraints and Considerations

Adverse reactions classified as serious are not explicitly grouped under a dedicated category in specific product summaries, but the potential for severe behavioral changes, such as aggressiveness, is listed among the documented effects.

Safety restrictions are primarily based on the drug's pharmacological class as an ergoline derivative. The use of this type of medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the potential risk of inducing abortion. Additionally, caution is required when the medicine is administered concurrently with hypotensive drugs or immediately following anaesthesia, as there is a documented risk of causing significant, transient hypotension (low blood pressure).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

This section exclusively presents the officially documented overdose information for Contralac (Metergoline), derived strictly from government regulatory documents, specifically the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).


Overdose Scope

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations: No specific clinical signs, symptoms, or laboratory findings are documented in the official regulatory label's overdose section.
Physiological systems affected: No specific physiological systems affected by an overdose are formally described in the official regulatory label.
Emergency-response statements: No explicit emergency procedures or official instructions regarding actions required following an overdose are documented.
When immediate medical help is required: No specific conditions or label-derived phrasing detailing when urgent medical attention must be sought are documented.

Overdose Classifications (High-Level)

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Severity classification: No severity classification for overdose is defined in the official regulatory label.
Regulatory basis: The regulatory basis for this documentation is the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) as approved by the national medicines authority.

Resulting Overdose Structure

Official overdose statements:

  • The dedicated regulatory section for overdose explicitly states that no specific symptoms, emergency procedures, or antidotes are documented.
  • The official label provides no formally described clinical manifestations or physiological findings associated with an overdose.
  • The product documentation contains no specific instructions for seeking urgent medical attention in the event of an overdose.

Connection to the overall overdose profile: The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile for Contralac by an explicit absence of specified data concerning manifestations, management procedures, and emergency help-seeking conditions. This means there are no officially documented risks or regulator-mandated emergency actions for users to reference within the product's official prescribing information.

Therapeutic Uses of Contralac

What Contralac Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Contralac (Metergoline) is applied in veterinary clinical practice to address specific symptoms in female dogs (bitches) and cats (queens), providing targeted support during periods of hormonal imbalance. The use of this medication is centered on therapeutic goals involving the cessation of milk production.


Management of Pseudogestation and Unwanted Milk Production

This medication is commonly used to treat the clinical presentation of pseudogestation (false pregnancy) in bitches. It focuses on supportive relief of symptoms driven by heightened physiological activity, including the cessation of unwanted milk production (lactation) and the associated discomfort. Contralac is intended to address the physical manifestations of the condition, such as mammary gland swelling and secretion, contributing to comfort during symptomatic periods. This is also applied in situations requiring management of established, unwanted postpartum lactation. Primary applications include the management of clinical pseudogestation and the management of unwanted postpartum lactation.


Relief from Associated Behavioral and Physical Distress

Contralac is relevant for easing the cluster of neurobehavioral and physical symptoms linked to pseudogestation and unwanted lactation. It is applied when symptoms interfere with the animal’s daily stability, such as restlessness, agitation, or excessive nesting behavior. The medication is designed to ease the overall symptom burden and may assist with maintaining functional stability, which supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Relief for Key Symptom Clusters
Relief for Mammary Swelling and Unwanted Secretion
Relief for Behavioral Agitation and Restlessness
Supports Functional Stability during hormonal episodes

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility for Contralac (Metergoline)

The eligibility profile for Contralac is strictly defined by official regulatory documentation for veterinary use, establishing specific populations that are permitted to use the medicine and those for whom use is absolutely contraindicated.


Populations Permitted and Prohibited

The medicine is authorized exclusively for use in female dogs (bitches) and female cats (queens) for the licensed purpose of interrupting unwanted lactation or managing pseudopregnancy. The use of Contralac is formally contraindicated and prohibited in any animal that is pregnant (in a state of gestation).


Key Eligibility Restrictions

Restriction Category Official Regulatory Status
Absolute Contraindication Pregnant animals must not use Contralac.
Hypersensitivity Contraindicated in animals with a known allergy to the active substance, Metergoline, or any excipients.
Lactation Permitted when the objective is the interruption of unwanted postpartum lactation.
Organ Impairment The official label contains no explicit contraindications or warnings regarding pre-existing renal or hepatic impairment.

Eligibility is primarily defined by species, gender, and the absence of pregnancy or hypersensitivity to the drug.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official Regulatory Interaction Profile

The official regulatory documentation for Contralac (Metergoline) provides a clear definition of its interaction profile by stating the absence of documented interactions. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for this veterinary medicinal product explicitly notes that no known interactions with other medicinal products or substances are documented in the official labeling, a position consistent across multiple regulatory bodies.

Interaction Scope

The regulatory label does not specify any particular drug classes, individual medicines, or non-medicinal substances that interact with Metergoline. Consequently, no pharmacokinetic (e.g., CYP enzyme-mediated) or pharmacodynamic interactions are formally categorized as known and documented in the official prescribing information.

Classification Official Regulatory Documentation Status
Documented Drug-Drug Interactions None known / documented
Timing-based Separation Rules None required / documented
Exposure-Modifying Substances None known / documented
Contraindicated Combinations None formally listed due to interaction risk

Resulting Interaction Structure

The absence of documented interactions means the product information does not impose mandatory label-based restrictions concerning the co-administration of Contralac with other medicines, food, or supplements due to known interaction effects. This formal statement from regulatory authorities defines the complete and current official interaction structure for Metergoline.

Mechanism of Action

How Contralac Works

The active ingredient, Metergoline, operates through a centralized modulation of the neuroendocrine axis that controls the hormone prolactin (PRL). This modulation involves simultaneous action on the stimulatory and inhibitory signals governing PRL release.

Blockade of Serotonin-Mediated Signaling

Metergoline functions as an antagonist at specific 5-HT2 serotonin receptors located in the hypothalamus. By occupying these receptor sites, the drug prevents serotonin—an endogenous stimulatory factor for PRL release—from engaging its signal, thereby interrupting the excitatory cascade that promotes hormone synthesis.

Dopamine Receptor Agonism

Metergoline also exhibits partial agonism at D2 dopamine receptors located on the pituitary cells responsible for PRL production. This agonistic activity mimics the action of dopamine, which is the primary Prolactin-Inhibiting Factor, directly reinforcing the tonic inhibitory signal and complementing the effect of the serotonin blockade.

The Resulting Physiological Cascade

The combined antagonistic and agonistic actions result in a systemic reduction in circulating prolactin concentrations. This physiological change removes the hormonal signal required for the ongoing process of lactogenesis (milk synthesis), initiating the biological process of mammary tissue involution.

Dosage and Administration Information

Contralac is administered through the oral route as a tablet. The total amount of the medicine to be used is calculated based on the animal’s body weight, following a standard of 0.2 mg of Metergoline per kilogram of body weight per day.

The total daily dose is typically divided into two equal administrations and given twice daily (BID), often scheduled for the morning and evening. The standard initial course of administration is four consecutive days. Should clinical signs persist after this period, the treatment course may be extended for an additional four days, resulting in a maximum total duration of eight days.

For practical administration, it is important to note that certain strengths, such as the 0.5 mg tablets, are designated as not divisible. Due to this constraint, specific weight-based dosing guidelines exist for small animals, intended to facilitate the delivery of the specified amount for body weights as low as 2.3 kg. The 2.0 mg strength is generally used for larger animals to facilitate the division of the dose based on the weight-dependent requirement.

Usage Parameter Guideline Detail
Route of Administration Oral (Tablet)
Daily Dose 0.2 mg/kg of body weight
Frequency Twice Daily (BID)
Standard Duration 4 days (maximum 8 days)

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Contralac


Evidence for Use in Managing Pseudogestation (False Pregnancy)

This section summarizes the types of veterinary clinical trials that established the research base for Contralac in bitches experiencing pseudogestation and will detail the primary physical and neurobehavioral outcomes that were measured in these studies.

Research has evaluated the use of Contralac in adult, non-pregnant bitches during periods of heightened symptom activity related to pseudogestation. Studies typically examined how symptoms change over time when the medication was studied for the condition. Outcomes related to physical discomfort were monitored, such as the rate of change in mammary gland swelling and milk secretion. Researchers also explored changes in neurobehavioral signs, including high levels of restlessness or nesting behavior.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where physical and behavioral signs evolved in the observed populations during the study period. The research highlights changes measured during the short-term study period, focusing primarily on acute symptom patterns. Evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns in conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations.


Evidence for Use in Managing Unwanted Postpartum Lactation

This part outlines the available clinical data and pharmacological studies for Contralac's role in addressing unwanted milk production in bitches and queens, focusing on how milk cessation and mammary resolution were assessed by researchers.

Contralac was evaluated in clinical settings for its use in managing established, unwanted lactation. Studies monitored outcomes related to acute changes, primarily the rate and completeness of milk secretion change and the resolution of mammary congestion. This was studied for animals presenting with conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes of milk production. The research examined these outcomes over defined time intervals that aligned with the duration of administration.


Evidence Quality, Gaps, and Areas of Uncertainty

The available research quality and consistency are factors in determining certainty when considering the standard for human drug development, as the research is derived mainly from target species clinical trials rather than extensive RCTs or meta-analyses. Evidence is limited for several important questions. Long-term effects are not fully established, particularly concerning the medication’s influence on subsequent cycles of pseudogestation or future reproductive health. Comparative evidence is lacking in certain areas, meaning it is not yet clear how Contralac may compare to other available management approaches. Research provides context but not individual predictions; findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Key Studies & References WHO ATC/DDD Index: Metergoline (QG02CB05) Classification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Contralac (FAQ)


Q: How quickly can a person generally expect Contralac to start working?

A: Studies that established the research base for Contralac focused on monitoring acute symptom patterns and how they change over a short-term study period. Official summaries describe that the effects are monitored to evolve over the course of the treatment, but they do not define a specific time frame for the onset of action.


Q: How long does the effect of one dose of Contralac typically last?

A: Official usage instructions prescribe the medicine for administration Twice Daily (BID). The Twice Daily (BID) administration schedule indicates that the dose is intended to provide continuous effect over a 12-hour interval, which is when the next dose is typically scheduled.


Q: Is it safe to use Contralac long-term?

A: According to regulatory summaries of the research, the available evidence is primarily focused on the results observed during the short-term use period. Consequently, the long-term effects are not fully established in the current official documentation for the medicine.


Q: Do studies show that Contralac helps improve quality of life?

A: Clinical research studies focused on measurable physical and neurobehavioral outcomes. These included monitoring changes in physical discomfort, such as mammary gland swelling, and changes in neurobehavioral signs, like restlessness or nesting behavior. These specific outcomes were monitored to gauge the effectiveness of the medicine.


Q: Can Contralac make certain symptoms feel worse initially?

A: Official product information notes that the incidence of documented adverse effects is highest at the initiation of treatment. While these effects (such as vomiting or diarrhea) are often transient, the information does not specify if the underlying condition's main symptoms are made worse initially.


Q: Is it normal if Contralac causes mild stomach upset at first?

A: Official safety information documents that adverse effects like vomiting (up to 25% incidence) and diarrhoea (up to 30% incidence) are listed as common. These effects are typically observed at the initiation of treatment and are generally transient, meaning they are temporary and self-limiting.


Q: What is the recommended timing for taking Contralac in relation to meals?

A: Official labeling specifies the medicine should be administered twice daily (typically morning and evening). However, regulatory documentation does not contain a mandatory instruction concerning whether the medicine must be taken with or without food.


Q: Can Contralac be used for a condition other than what it is primarily intended for?

A: Contralac is licensed exclusively as a veterinary medicinal product for two main uses: the resolution of pseudogestation (false pregnancy) and the suppression of unwanted lactation. Official documents define the scope of its licensed use based on these specific purposes.


Q: What are some serious side effects of Contralac that require urgent attention?

A: The safety profile includes the potential for severe behavioral changes, with aggressiveness being explicitly listed among the documented adverse reactions. The label also includes cautions regarding the potential risk of temporary hypotension (low blood pressure) when used with certain other medications or following anaesthesia.


Q: Can people with kidney problems use Contralac?

A: The official product labeling does not list any explicit contraindications or specific warnings regarding pre-existing renal (kidney) impairment or hepatic (liver) impairment. Eligibility is primarily defined by the absence of pregnancy or hypersensitivity.


Q: Can children or adolescents use Contralac?

A: The medicine is primarily evaluated and authorized for use in adult, non-pregnant female animals. Official research summaries and labeling do not contain information specifically detailing the medicine's use or effects on prepuberal or adolescent populations.


Q: Does Contralac require any special monitoring while a person is taking it?

A: Official labeling states that caution is used when the medicine is administered concurrently with hypotensive drugs or immediately following anaesthesia. This caution is necessary due to a documented risk of causing significant, transient hypotension (low blood pressure).


Q: Are there different strengths or forms of Contralac available?

A: Contralac is manufactured in the form of oral tablets (comprimidos). These tablets are commercially produced in different strengths to facilitate accurate dosing, including 0.5 mg and 2.0 mg options.


Q: Why do official documents mention specific populations should use Contralac with caution?

A: Official documents list a caution for use when the medicine is given alongside hypotensive drugs or immediately following anaesthesia. This constraint is necessary because there is a documented risk of causing significant, temporary hypotension, or low blood pressure.


Q: Is Contralac approved in other countries besides the US?

A: Contralac (Metergoline) is a veterinary medicinal product that is referenced in documents from multiple international regulatory bodies. This includes official agencies in European countries, and it is included in the global WHO ATC classification system for veterinary drugs.


Q: Can Contralac be crushed or chewed?

A: According to the official product labeling, certain strengths, such as the 0.5 mg tablets, are designated as not divisible. This constraint is a result of the tablets being designated as not divisible in the product labeling.


Q: Does Contralac carry a Black Box Warning?

A: Official regulatory documentation lists important safety constraints, such as the contraindication in pregnancy, but it does not document the presence of a US-FDA mandated Black Box Warning. The required safety statements are outlined in the Warnings section of the product summary.


Q: Why are people talking about Contralac online?

A: Online discussion regarding Contralac is typically centered on its licensed application as an anti-prolactin agent. This medicine is designed to suppress unwanted lactation and help resolve the physical and behavioral signs associated with pseudogestation in female animals.


Q: Can a person take Contralac if they are fasting or on a restricted diet?

A: Official regulatory documentation explicitly states that no known interactions with food or non-medicinal substances are documented in the prescribing information. This means there is no formal label restriction related to taking the medicine in conjunction with food, fasting, or a restricted diet.


Q: What is the difference between Contralac and its active metabolite?

A: Contralac is formulated as a single-ingredient product where Metergoline is the sole active substance. The official product description available to patients typically focuses on the action of Metergoline itself and does not detail the activity or effects of any specific active metabolites.


Q: Are there specific official guidelines for discontinuing Contralac?

A: The official usage parameters define the administration as a set course, with a standard duration of four consecutive days and a maximum treatment limit of eight days. The completion of this defined course of administration outlines the official guideline for cessation of the medicine.

How should Contralac be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Contralac (metergoline) tablets must adhere strictly to the regulatory requirements for veterinary medicinal products to ensure stability and safety.

Official Storage Conditions

Item Requirement
Temperature Store at controlled room temperature (e.g., below 25, C or 30, C). Do not expose the product to extreme heat or freezing.
Protection Keep the tablets in the original container and protect them from light and moisture.
Safety It is mandatory to keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets, typically requiring storage in a secure, locked location.

Disposal Instructions

To prevent environmental contamination, unused or expired Contralac must not be discarded via wastewater or household trash. Disposal must be completed according to local regulations, which often requires returning the product to a licensed supplier, such as a veterinary clinic or pharmacy, for proper pharmaceutical waste management.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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