Is Bretylium 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 Bretylium. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Bretylium is no longer marketed. Because there is little published experience with bretylium during breastfeeding, its high frequency of side effects, and its lack of availability, other agents are preferred.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A dose of 400 mg of bretylium tosylate every 8 hours was taken orally by one mother while nursing a newborn. She was also taking atenolol 25 mg daily, propranolol 20 mg three times a day, spironolactone 75 mg every other day and multivitamin, potassium and magnesium supplements. Jaundice, thought to be unrelated to the drug, occurred at 60 hours of age, but resolved. The infant had appropriate weight gain and development during the first 4 months of life.[1]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Bretylium” (LM33). 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.