Is Flurazepam 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 Flurazepam. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No information is available on the excretion of flurazepam into breastmilk. One case of infant sedation was reported in a woman taking flurazepam along with other sedating drugs during breastfeeding. Because of the long duration of action of flurazepam, an alternate hypnotic is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If flurazepam is used, monitor the infant for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain.
Effects on the breastfed infant
In a telephone follow-up study, 124 mothers who took a benzodiazepine while nursing reported whether their infants had any signs of sedation. One mother who was taking flurazepam (dose unclear), clonazepam 0.25 mg twice daily, 1 mg of bupropion daily, and 0.75 mg of risperidone daily reported sedation in her breastfed infant.[1]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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 “Flurazepam” (LM820). 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.