Is Dicyclomine 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 Dicyclomine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.

Summary of use during breastfeeding

Dicyclomine has not been well studied during breastfeeding. However, one possible case of apnea has been reported in a breastfed infant that is similar to reactions that have occurred in infants given the drug directly.[1] Dicyclomine should not be used during lactation.

Effects on the breastfed infant

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. The manufacturer reported a breastfed infant who developed apnea during maternal therapy with dicyclomine.[1] Dicyclomine is a possible cause of the reaction.

Effects on milk supply

Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[2–6] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[7] The 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. However, the manufacturer reported a mother who was given a single 20 mg dose of dicyclomine orally. Two hours after the dose, the concentration in breastmilk was 131 mcg/L.[1]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Dicyclomine 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 “Dicyclomine” (LM570). 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.