Which medication may be used to halt lactation in the presence of severe symptoms from infection?

Cabergoline is a medication that can be used to halt lactation, particularly in situations where there are severe symptoms due to infection, such as mastitis or breast abscess. It is a dopamine agonist that works by inhibiting prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. Increased levels of prolactin are responsible for lactation; therefore, by suppressing prolactin, cabergoline effectively stops milk production.

In cases of infection, the priority is to resolve the underlying issue, and managing lactation can help minimize discomfort and complications. The use of cabergoline can be particularly beneficial in this context as it not only reduces prolactin levels but can also help alleviate symptoms associated with lactation-related complications.

Other medications listed do not have the same effect on halting lactation effectively. For instance, dopamine itself does not have the pharmacological potency or clinical use as a standalone treatment for this issue, nor does estradiol, which is more commonly associated with estrogen replacement therapy. Prolactin, on the other hand, is the hormone that promotes lactation, and increasing its levels would have the opposite effect to what is desired in this situation.