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Psyllium use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2023.

Drugs containing Psyllium: Metamucil, Reguloid, Laxative Natural, Konsyl, Fiber Capsules, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture, Fiberall, Laxmar, Modane Bulk, Perdiem Fiber Powder, Show all 42 »Cilium, Hydrocil, Genfiber, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Fiber Therapy, Metamucil Original Texture Regular, Perdiem, Metamucil Plus Calcium, Xyralid RC, Syllamalt, V-Lax, Konsyl for Kids, Konsyl-Orange, Konsyl-D, Maalox Daily Fiber Therapy, Alramucil, Serutan, Fiber Eze, Natural Fiber Therapy, Laxmar Orange, Konsyl Orange Sugar-free, Metamucil Unflavored Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Orange Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Unflavored Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Metamucil Berry Burst Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Laxmar Sugar Free, Metamucil Pink Lemonade Smooth Texture Sugar-Free, Metamucil Smooth Texture, Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber, Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber Sugar-free, Syllact, SennaPrompt

Psyllium Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Few data are available on psyllium use during breastfeeding. However, the drug is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, so it cannot enter the breastmilk. Psyllium is acceptable to use during breastfeeding.[1,2]

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

Twenty postpartum mothers were given a laxative containing 2.7 grams of plantango (psyllium) and senna equivalent to 15 mg of sennosides a and b daily on days 2 to 4 postpartum. Of the 11 infants who were breastfed (extent not stated), none had any loose stools.[3]

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Constipation) Bisacodyl, Docusate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Sodium Phosphate; (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Linaclotide, Lubiprostone, Plecanatide, Prucalopride, Tenapanor

References

1.
Lewis JH, Weingold AB., Committee of FDA-Related Matters American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912–23. [PubMed: 2864852]
2.
Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998;14:259–62. [PubMed: 10205441]
3.
Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. Relevance of rhein excretion into breast milk. Pharmacology. 1988;36 Suppl 1:212–20. [PubMed: 3368521]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Psyllium

CAS Registry Number

8063-16-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Gastrointestinal Agents

Laxatives

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.

Further information

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