Is Droperidol safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of use during breastfeeding

Because little information is available on the long-term use of droperidol during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Single-dose or short-term use during breastfeeding, such as during surgery, is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, especially if the infant is older than 2 months.[1] When multiple doses are given to the mother, monitor the infant for drowsiness, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs.

Effects on the breastfed infant

A randomized study compared the breastfed infants born by cesarean section whose mothers received either morphine or morphine plus droperidol by patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively. On days 1 and 2 of life, the infants whose mothers received droperidol had a lower neonatal neurologic and adaptive capacity score (NACS) than those who received morphine only.[2]

One breastfed (extent not stated) infant whose mother was taking droperidol had a somewhat decreased intellectual development on testing, but her mother had also taken olanzapine, clonazepam, sertraline, thioridazine and valproic acid while breastfeeding.[3]

Effects on milk supply

Hyperprolactinemia has been reported in patients taking long-term droperidol and after short-term use during surgical procedures.[4-7] 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.