Dexamethasone use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Dexamethasone: Decadron, TobraDex, Ciprodex, Maxitrol, Dexamethasone Intensol, Maxidex, Neo-Poly-Dex, Hexadrol, Tobradex ST, Dexone, Show all 57 »
Dexamethasone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Because no information is available on the use of dexamethasone during breastfeeding, an alternate corticosteroid may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
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
Dexamethasone can cause a decrease in basal serum prolactin and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulated serum prolactin increase in nonnursing women.[1][2] Published information on the effects of dexamethasone 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.[3] An equivalent dosage regimen of dexamethasone 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.[4] An equivalent dosage regimen of dexamethasone might have the same effect.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
(Systemic) Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone
References
1. Hubina E, Nagy GM, Toth BE et al. Dexamethasone and adrenocorticotropin suppress prolactin secretion in humans. Endocrine. 2002;18:215-9. PMID: 12450312
2. la Marca A, Torricelli M, Morgante G et al. Effects of dexamethasone and dexamethasone plus naltrexone on pituitary response to GnRH and trh in normal women. Horm Res. 1999;51:85-90. PMID: 10352398
3. 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
4. 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
Dexamethasone Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
50-02-2
Drug Class
- Corticosteroids, Systemic
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
86
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2012-03-01
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...
- Dexamethasone use during Pregnancy
- Dexamethasone nasal use during Pregnancy
- Dexamethasone ophthalmic use during Pregnancy
- Dexamethasone drops Consumer Information
- Dexamethasone 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.
