Is Bendroflumethiazide 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 Bendroflumethiazide. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No information is available on the amount of bendroflumethiazide in breastmilk. Intense diuresis with large doses of bendroflumethiazide can decrease breastmilk production, especially during the neonatal period. Shorter-acting diuretics in low doses are preferred over bendroflumethiazide.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Bendroflumethiazide has been used to suppress lactation in oral doses of 5 mg twice daily for 5 days, and in doses of 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the afternoon.[1-3] The added contribution of the diuretic to these measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied. There are no data on the effects of potent diuretics on established, ongoing lactation.
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
Bendroflumethiazide in pregnancy
LactMed covers breastfeeding only. For what the NHS and the US prescribing label say about pregnancy, see:
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Bendroflumethiazide” (LM27). 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.