Naloxone use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the excretion of naloxone into breastmilk. Because it is not orally bioavailable, it is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant. However, if naloxone is required by the mother for an opiate overdose, she should withhold nursing until the opiate is out of her system.

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

In contrast to its effect in some animal species, naloxone does not affect suckling-induced secretion of oxytocin or prolactin in postpartum women.[1,2]

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Naltrexone

References

1.

Cholst IN, Wardlaw SL, Newman CB, et al. Prolactin response to breast stimulation in lactating women is not mediated by endogenous opioids. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1984;150:558–61. [PubMed: 6496587]

2.

Johnson MR, Andrews MA, Seckl JR, et al. Effect of naloxone on neurohypophyseal peptide responses to breast feeding and breast stimulation in man. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1990;33:81–6. [PubMed: 2401100]

Substance Name

Naloxone

CAS Registry Number

465-65-6

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Narcotic Antagonists