Is Fluphenazine 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 Fluphenazine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
There is no published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding. Very limited long-term follow-up data indicate no adverse developmental effects when other phenothiazines are used alone. Because of the lack of published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor the infant for drowsiness and developmental milestones, especially if other antipsychotics are used concurrently.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Like other phenothiazines, fluphenazine elevates serum prolactin and has caused galactorrhea.[1] The elevation is related to serum levels and lasts 2 to 4 weeks with the depot injectable formulation.[2,3] 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.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Fluphenazine” (LM116). 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.