Pravastatin use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Pravastatin: Pravachol, Pravigard Pac

Pravastatin Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Levels of pravastatin in milk are low. However, no relevant published information exists on its use during breastfeeding. Because of a concern with disruption of infant lipid metabolism, the consensus is that pravastatin should not be used during breastfeeding.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Eleven lactating women who were not breastfeeding were given 20 mg of pravastatin orally twice daily for 2.5 days. Serum and milk samples were taken at various times after the 5th dose and analyzed for pravastatin and its active metabolite. Peak milk levels averaged 3.9 mcg/L for pravastatin and 2.1 mcg/L for its metabolite. The authors suggested that negligible levels were excreted into breast milk, but that benefits and risks should be carefully considered.[1] Using the peak levels above, a fully breastfed infant would receive a maximum of 900 mcg/kg daily with this dosage or about 1.4% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage.

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

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

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol

References

1. Pan H, Fleiss P, Moore L et al. Excretion of pravastatin, an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, in breast milk of lactating women. J Clin Pharmacol. 1988;28:942. Abstract.

Pravastatin Identification

Substance Name

Pravastatin

CAS Registry Number

81093-37-0

Drug Class

Anticholesteremic Agents

Antilipemic Agents

Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

481

Last Revision Date

20150310

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.

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.