Is Emedastine 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 Emedastine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Emedastine is no longer marketed United States, but is available in other countries. Preliminary data indicate that oral administration of 2 mg daily produces low levels in milk and does not affect the breastfed infant.
When used as an eye drop, emedastine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A woman was prescribed emedastine difumarate 2 mg once daily and pranlukast hydrate 112.5 mg twice daily during pregnancy and postpartum. Her infant was breastfed and no adverse effects were noted.[1]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. A woman was prescribed emedastine difumarate 2 mg once daily and pranlukast hydrate 112.5 mg twice daily during pregnancy and postpartum. Emedastine concentration in milk were measured on days 1 to 4 postpartum. Emedastine concentrations at 9.3 and 12.3 hours after a dose were 0.44 and 0.13 mcg/L, respectively. At 20.3, 22.5, and 23.3 hours after a dose, milk concentrations were 0.09, 0.07, and 0.06 mcg/L, respectively.[1]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Emedastine” (LM633). 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.