Is Amantadine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Amantadine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
It is probably best to avoid amantadine during breastfeeding because of its potential negative effect on lactation. An alternative medication is recommended.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Amantadine is a dopamine agonist. Clinical studies using amantadine dosages of 100 mg 2 or 3 times daily have demonstrated a decrease in serum prolactin and decreased galactorrhea in patients taking dopaminergic neuroleptic drugs such as phenothiazines, haloperidol and loxapine.[1,2] No studies have been reported on the effects of amantadine on the milk supply in nursing mothers. The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Amantadine” (LM434). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.