Is Glipizide 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 Glipizide. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Limited data indicate that the levels of glipizide in milk are low. However, an alternate drug for which there is more information may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1,2]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Blood glucose levels were normal in 2 breastfed infants whose mothers were taking oral glipizide 5 mg daily.[3]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Two women who had delivered via cesarean section and were receiving glipizide 5 mg daily in the immediate postoperative period had milk glipizide levels measured. Trough glipizide milk levels were undetectable (<80 mcg/L). The authors estimated that the maximum dosages that a fully breastfed infant would receive is <27% of the weight-adjusted maternal dosage.[3]
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Glipizide” (LM127). 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.