Is Norepinephrine 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 Norepinephrine. 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 use of norepinephrine during breastfeeding. Because of its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, any norepinephrine in milk is unlikely to affect the infant. High intravenous doses of norepinephrine might reduce milk production or milk letdown as well as decrease the concentration of beta-casein in milk.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Norepinephrine inhibits the synthesis of beta-casein via stimulation of adrenergic beta-2 receptors.[1] Animal data indicate that norepinephrine can decrease serum prolactin and reduce milk production,[3] as well as inhibit the release of oxytocin, which inhibits milk ejection.[4]
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Eight nursing mothers collected breastmilk for analysis of norepinephrine. Milk norepinephrine levels ranged from 2.1 to 19.5 mcg/L (12.7 to 115.5 nanomolar). The norepinephrine in milk appears to be synthesized locally by mammary epithelial cells and actively secreted into milk.[1,2]
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Norepinephrine” (LM779). 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.