Hydrocortisone, Topical Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding
Summary of Use during Lactation
Topical hydrocortisone has not been studied during breastfeeding. Since only extensive application of the most potent corticosteroids may cause systemic effects in the mother, it is unlikely that short-term application of topical hydrocortisone would pose a risk to the breastfed infant by passage into breastmilk. However, it would be prudent to use the least potent drug on the smallest area of skin possible. It is important to ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Current guidelines allow topical corticosteroids to be applied to the nipples just after nursing for eczema, with the nipples cleaned gently before nursing.[1,2] Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3] Maternal use rectally with a cream or by suppository poses little to no risk to the breastfed 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
Topical application of a corticosteroid with relatively high mineralocorticoid activity (isofluprednone acetate) to the mother's nipples resulted in prolonged QT interval, cushingoid appearance, severe hypertension, decreased growth and electrolyte abnormalities in her 2-month-old breastfed infant. The mother had used the cream since birth for painful nipples.[4]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Vestergaard C, Wollenberg A, Barbarot S, et al. European task force on atopic dermatitis position paper: treatment of parental atopic dermatitis during preconception, pregnancy and lactation period. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019;33:1644-59. [PubMed: 31231864]
2.
Deleuran M, Dézfoulian B, Elberling J, et al. Systemic anti-inflammatory treatment of atopic dermatitis during conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding: Interdisciplinary expert consensus in Northern Europe. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024;38:31-41. [PubMed: 37818828]
3.
Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M, et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2003;38:317-25. [PubMed: 14623482]
4.
De Stefano P, Bongo IG, Borgna-Pignatti C, Severi F. Factitious hypertension with mineralocorticoid excess in an infant. Helv Paediatr Acta 1983;38:185-9. [PubMed: 6874387]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Hydrocortisone, Topical
CAS Registry Number
50-23-7
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Corticosteroids, Topical
Glucocorticoids
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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