Torsemide use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Because little information is available on the use of torsemide during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Low doses of torsemide may not suppress lactation.

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

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Intense diuresis, fluid restriction and breast binding have been used to suppress lactation immediately postpartum.[1-3] The added contribution of the diuretic to the other measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied.

Women who delivered following pre-eclampsia were randomized to receive either torsemide 20 mg daily or placebo for 5 days starting within 24 hours after delivery. Eighty percent of the women who received torsemide and 75% of women who received placebo breastfed. One mother who received torsemide and none who received placebo reported a decrease in breastmilk.[4]

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide

References

1.

Healy M. Suppressing lactation with oral diuretics. Lancet. 1961;277:1353–4.

2.

Stout G. Suppression of lactation. Br Med J 1962;1:1150. Letter. PMC1958377.

3.

Cominos DC, Van Der Walt A, Van Rooyen AJ. Suppression of postpartum lactation with furosemide. S Afr Med J. 1976;50:251–2. [PubMed: 3858]

4.

Viteri OA, Alrais MA, Pedroza C, et al. Torsemide for prevention of persistent postpartum hypertension in women with preeclampsia: A randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132:1185–91. [PubMed: 30303905]

Substance Name

Torsemide

CAS Registry Number

56211-40-6

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antihypertensive Agents

Loop Diuretics