Amoxapine use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Amoxapine: Asendin

Amoxapine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Because no information is available on the use of amoxapine during breastfeeding, another drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If amoxapine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Exclusively breastfed infants should be monitored if this drug is used during lactation, possibly including measurement of serum levels to rule out toxicity if there is a concern.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. In one nonbreastfeeding woman who developed galactorrhea during use of amoxapine 250 mg daily, amoxapine was found to be qualitatively present at less than 20 mcg/L, but not quantifiable at 0.75 and 11.5 hours after the dose. Milk levels of 8-hydroxyamoxapine, an active metabolite of amoxapine, were 113 and 168 mcg/L at 0.75 and 11.5 hours after the dose, respectively.[1] No data are available on amoxapine in breastfeeding women.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Two cases of galactorrhea have been reported in nonbreastfeeding women who were taking amoxapine.[1][2] The clinical relevance of these findings in nursing mothers is not known. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Nortriptyline, Paroxetine, Sertraline

References

1. Gelenberg AJ. Amoxapine, a new antidepressant, appears in human milk. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1979;167:635-6. PMID: 573779

2. Jaffe K, Zisook S. Galactorrhea in a patient treated with amoxapine. J Clin Psychiatry. 1978;39:821. PMID: 569147

Amoxapine Identification

Substance Name

Amoxapine

CAS Registry Number

14028-44-5

Drug Class

• Antidepressants
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

320

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2007-12-27

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

See Also...

• Amoxapine use during Pregnancy
• Amoxapine Consumer Information
• Breastfeeding Support Group
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Medicine use during Pregnancy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.