Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Fluphenazine? Is Fluphenazine safe for nursing mother and child? Does Fluphenazine extracts into breast milk? Does Fluphenazine has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Fluphenazine influence milk supply or can Fluphenazine decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Fluphenazine lactation summary

Fluphenazine usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Fluphenazine is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Fluphenazine may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Fluphenazine may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Fluphenazine low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Fluphenazine We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Fluphenazine usage in lactation

It is used as a depot drug which has a long half-life span. No data on transfer into breastmilk are available. Avoid it whenever possible. No side-effects have been described, as a caution however, choose the shortest half-life span anti-psychotic phenotiazine drugs.

Answer by DrLact: About Fluphenazine usage in lactation

There is no published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding. Very limited long-term follow-up data indicate no adverse developmental effects when other phenothiazines are used alone. Because of the lack of published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents may be preferred, especially wile nursing an newborn or preterm infant. Monitor the infant for drowsiness and developmental milestones, especially if other antipsychotics are used concurrently.

Fluphenazine Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[1][2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3][4][5] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[6] Fluphenazine elevates serum prolactin similar to other phenothiazines and has caused galactorrhea. The elevation is related to serum levels and lasts 2 to 4 weeks with the depot injectable formulation.[2][7] The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
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. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.