Betamethasone use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Betamethasone: Lotrisone, Celestone, Diprolene, Taclonex, Diprosone, Valisone, Luxiq, Betnovate, Celestone Soluspan, Betaderm, Show all 28 »
Betamethasone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Betamethasone has not been studied during breastfeeding after systemic or topical use. Systemic betamethasone is best avoided in favor of one of the shorter-acting and better studied alternatives because of its potency and low protein binding which would favor its passage into milk. Use of betamethasone 3 to 9 days prior to delivery of a preterm infant might decrease postpartum milk production in some women. Local injections, such as for tendinitis, would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.[1]
Drug Levels
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.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
None reported with any corticosteroid.
Possible Effects on Lactation
A study of 46 women who delivered an infant before 34 weeks of gestation found that a course of betamethasone (2 intramuscular injections of 11.4 mg of betamethasone 24 hours apart) given between 3 and 9 days before delivery resulted in delayed lactogenesis II and lower average milk volumes during the 10 days after delivery. Milk volume was not affected if the infant was delivered less than 3 days or more than 10 days after the mother received the corticosteroid.[2]
A study of 87 pregnant women found that betamethasone given as above during pregnancy caused a premature stimulation of lactose secretion during pregnancy. Although the increase was statistically significant, the clinical importance appears to be minimal.[3]
Alternate Drugs to Consider
(Systemic) Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone
References
1. Henderson JJ, Hartmann PE, Newnham JP, Simmer K. Effect of preterm birth and antenatal corticosteroid treatment on lactogenesis II in women. Pediatrics. 2008;121:e92-100. PMID: 18166549
2. Henderson JJ, Newnham JP, Simmer K, Hartmann PE. Effects of antenatal corticosteroids on urinary markers of the initiation of lactation in pregnant women. Breastfeed Med. 2009;4:201-6. PMID: 19772378
Betamethasone Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
378-44-9
Drug Class
- Corticosteroids, Systemic
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
31
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2011-07-05
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...
- Betamethasone use during Pregnancy
- Betamethasone topical use during Pregnancy
- Betamethasone Consumer Information
- Betamethasone Dipropionate (Augmented) Cream 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.
