Is Pyrilamine safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of use during breastfeeding

Small, occasional doses of pyrilamine (mepyramine) are probably acceptable during breast feeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use may cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly, in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives.

Effects on the breastfed infant

Relevant published information on pyrilamine was not found as of the revision date. In one telephone follow-up study, mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms 10% of infants exposed to various antihistamines and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention and none of the infants were exposed to pyrilamine.[1]

Effects on milk supply

Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2,3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] Whether lower oral doses of antihistamines have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied. The 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

• Desloratadine
• Fexofenadine
• Levocetirizine
• Loratadine