Is Ethacrynic Acid 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 Ethacrynic Acid. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Because no information is available on the use of ethacrynic acid during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Low doses of ethacrynic acid may not suppress lactation.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Ethacrynic acid was reportedly used successfully to suppress lactation in 6 postpartum women who did not want to breastfeed and to decrease the intensity of milk production in another.[1] The added contribution of the diuretic to the other measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied. No data exist on the effects of loop diuretics on established, ongoing lactation.
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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Ethacrynic Acid” (LM106). 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.