Is Uva Ursi 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 Uva Ursi. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaves contain arbutin, which is hydrolyzed to hydroquinone. Uva ursi has no specific lactation-related uses, but is most often used as a urinary antiseptic. No data exist on the excretion of any components of uva ursi into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of uva ursi in nursing mothers or infants. Uva ursi should generally be avoided during breastfeeding because of a lack of data and its potential toxicity.[1,2]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
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
“No published information” means the studies do not exist yet — not that Uva Ursi is known to be harmful, and not that it is known to be safe. Your prescriber or pharmacist can weigh your baby's age and whether a better-studied alternative would do the same job. Worth asking before stopping a medicine you need.
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Uva Ursi” (LM982). 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.