Cortisone use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Cortisone: Cortone Acetate

Cortisone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Cortisone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Although it is unlikely that dangerous amounts of cortisone would reach the infant, a better studied alternate drug might be 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

None reported with any corticosteroid.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Published information on the effects of cortisone on serum prolactin or on lactation in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date.

A study of 46 women who delivered an infant before 34 weeks of gestation found that a course of another corticosteroid (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.[1] An equivalent dosage regimen of cortisone might have the same effect.

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.[2] An equivalent dosage regimen of cortisone might have the same effect.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

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

Cortisone Identification

Substance Name

Cortisone

CAS Registry Number

53-06-5

Drug Class

• Corticosteroids, Systemic

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

76

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

Last Revision Date

2010-11-01

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...

• Cortisone use during Pregnancy
• Cortisone 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.