Protriptyline use while Breastfeeding
Drugs containing Protriptyline: Vivactil
Protriptyline Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
If protriptyline is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, because there is no published experience with protriptyline during breastfeeding, other agents 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
Published information on protriptyline was not found as of the revision date. Follow-up for 1 to 3 years in a group of 20 breastfed infants whose mothers were taking a tricyclic antidepressant found no adverse effects on growth and development.[1] Two small controlled studies indicate that other tricyclic antidepressants have no adverse effect on infant development.[2][3] In another study, 25 infants whose mothers took a tricyclic antidepressant during pregnancy and lactation were tested formally between 15 to 71 months and found to have normal growth and development.[4]
Possible Effects on Lactation
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
Nortriptyline, Paroxetine, Sertraline
References
1. Misri S, Sivertz K. Tricyclic drugs in pregnancy and lactation: a preliminary report. Int J Psychiatry Med. 1991;21:157-71. PMID: 1894455
2. Buist A, Janson H. Effect of exposure to dothiepin and northiaden in breast milk on child development. Br J Psychiatry. 1995;167:370-3. PMID: 7496646
3. Yoshida K, Smith B, Craggs M et al. Investigation of pharmacokinetics and possible adverse effects in infants exposed to tricyclic antidepressants in breast-milk. J Affective Disord. 1997;43:225-37. PMID: 9186793
4. Nulman I, Rovet J, Stewart DE et al. Child development following exposure to tricyclic antidepressants or fluoxetine throughout fetal life: a prospective, controlled study. Am J Psychiatry. 2002;159:1889-95. PMID: 12411224
Protriptyline Identification
Substance Name
CAS Registry Number
438-60-8
Drug Class
Administrative Information
LactMed Record Number
309
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...
- Protriptyline use during Pregnancy
- Protriptyline 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.
