Is Thioridazine 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 Thioridazine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Because there is no published experience with thioridazine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[1,2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3-6] There is some evidence that thioridazine increases serum prolactin to a greater extent than other phenothiazines.[7] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[8] 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
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Thioridazine” (LM255). 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.