Hydromorphone use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Hydromorphone: Dilaudid, Exalgo, Hydromorph Contin, Dilaudid-HP, Palladone, Hydrostat IR, Dilaudid Cough Syrup
Hydromorphone Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited data indicate that hydromorphone is excreted into breastmilk in small amounts. Maternal use of maximum doses of oral narcotics can cause infant drowsiness. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics, particularly in the first week of life. Once the mother's milk comes in, it is best to limit maternal intake of oral hydromorphone and to supplement analgesia with a nonnarcotic analgesic if necessary. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately.
Drug Levels
In adults, hydromorphone has an oral bioavailability of 62% and is metabolized to inactive metabolites. While not commonly used in infants, an appropriate dose for this age group is 10 mcg/kg parenterally or 30 mcg/kg orally every 4 hours as needed.
Maternal Levels. Eight lactating women (time postpartum not given) were given a single 2 mg intranasal dose of hydromorphone. Milk was collected 7 times, beginning 2 hours after and ending 24 hours after the dose. Peak milk levels occurred 2 hours after the dose. The half-life of elimination from milk was 10.5 hours. The reported average milk level, over the 24 hour period after the single dose, was about 1 mcg/L. The authors calculated that an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 0.67% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage.[1] Using the average milk level reported in this study, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive 0.15 mcg/kg daily from a single maternal 2 mg intranasal hydromorphone dose. Intranasal hydromorphone is not currently available in the United States.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible Effects on Lactation
Narcotics can increase serum prolactin.[2] However, the prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Morphine
References
1. Edwards JE, Rudy AC, Wermeling DP et al. Hydromorphone transfer into breast milk after intranasal administration. Pharmacotherapy. 2003;23:153-8. PMID: 12587803
2. Tolis G, Dent R, Guyda H. Opiates, prolactin, and the dopamine receptor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1978;47:200-3. PMID: 263291
Hydromorphone Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
466-99-9
Drug Class
- Analgesics, Opioid
- Narcotics
- Antitussive Agents
- Opiates
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
360
Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.
Last Revision Date
2011-03-31
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...
- Hydromorphone use during Pregnancy
- Hydromorphone 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.
