Is Orphenadrine 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 Orphenadrine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
No published information is available on the use of orphenadrine during breastfeeding. Manufacturer’s estimates indicate that the amount in milk may be low. The drug’s anticholinergic activity might interfere with milk production. An alternate agent may be preferred.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Orphenadrine has anticholinergic activity. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[2-6] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. A European manufacturer of orphenadrine estimated that with a maternal dose of 150 mg, milk orphenadrine concentration would be about 300 to 400 mcg/L.[1] This implies that the relative infant dosage might be about 1.8 to 2.4% of the mother’s weight-adjusted dosage.
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 “Orphenadrine” (orphenadrine). 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.