Bretylium use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Bretylium: Bretylol

Bretylium Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Because there is little published experience with bretylium during breastfeeding, other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. It has low oral bioavailability, so older infants are unlikely to absorb it. Exclusively breastfed infants should be carefully 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. 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

A dose of 400 mg of bretylium tosylate every 8 hours was taken orally by one mother while nursing a newborn. She was also taking atenolol 25 mg daily, propranolol 20 mg three times a day, spironolactone 75 mg every other day and multivitamin, potassium and magnesium supplements. Jaundice, thought to be unrelated to the drug, occurred at 60 hours of age, but resolved. The infant had appropriate weight gain and development during the first 4 months of life.[1]

Possible Effects on Lactation

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

References

1. Gutgesell M, Overholt E, Boyle R. Oral bretylium tosylate use during pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding: a case report. Am J Perinatol. 1990;7(2):144-45. PMID: 2331276

Bretylium Identification

Substance Name

Bretylium

CAS Registry Number

59-41-6

Drug Class

• Antiarrhythmics

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

33

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...

• Bretylium use during Pregnancy
• 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.