Bretylium is no longer marketed. Because there is little published experience with bretylium during breastfeeding, its high frequency of side effects, and its lack of availability, other agents are preferred.
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]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
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;7:144-5. [PubMed: 2331276]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Bretylium
CAS Registry Number
59-41-6
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Antiarrhythmics
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