Is Drotaverine 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 Drotaverine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Drotaverine is not marketed in the United States, but is available in other countries. Drotaverine has been used for treating milk stasis, but no scientific studies are available on drotaverine and breastfeeding. If a mother requires drotaverine, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Until more data become available, drotaverine should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
A retrospective study of 42 nursing mothers who were having milk stasis found that 23 of them were taking drotaverine. After medical intervention, 41 of them were able to continue lactation. It is unclear if drotaverine was a cause of milk stasis or an “innocent bystander” in the condition.[1]
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 “Drotaverine” (drotaverine). 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.