Question

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

Sodium Oxybate lactation summary

Sodium Oxybate usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Sodium Oxybate is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Sodium Oxybate may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Sodium Oxybate may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Sodium Oxybate low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Sodium Oxybate 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 Sodium Oxybate usage in lactation

Sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA), a natural body substance normally found in milk at levels of 0.1 - 1 mg / L.It is used for the treatment of narcolepsy. Given its rapid half-life, after 4 to 5 hours the GHBA levels in milk are back in the normal range.Since it is administered in two evening doses at the beginning of the night (22:00 h and 02:00 h) breastfeeding is allowed even exclusively, taking care to wait 4 hours after the last dose. It would be advisable to pump breast milk during the day for using it at night time.The intestinal drug absorption and plasma levels decrease significantly (up 58%) with simultaneous administration of a meal, especially if it has a high fat content. They have not been observed problems in infants whose mothers were on this treatment. At least, one infant was exclusively breastfed for 6 months while her mother was taking sodium oxybate, fluoxetine and cetirizine with a pausing of 4 hours after each of the two doses of oxybate. Oxybate does not alter prolactin levels. See below the information of these related products:

Answer by DrLact: About Sodium Oxybate usage in lactation

Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). GHB is an endogenous substance and low amounts are normally found in breastmilk. Large doses of GHB have been used as a substance of abuse. Infants have been successfully breastfed by mothers taking sodium oxybate therapeutically for narcolepsy. With the typical 2 doses per night treatment regimen, nursing should usually be withheld from the time of the first dose to 4 to 6 hours after the second dose and breastfeeding can be continued during the day.[1] No information is available on the use or safety of GHB as a drug of abuse during breastfeeding.

Sodium Oxybate Side Effects in Breastfeeding

A woman was taking 4.5 grams of sodium oxybate twice daily (exact times not reported) for narcolepsy and cataplexy throughout pregnancy and lactation. She breastfed her infant (extent and times not stated). No adverse infant effects were reported.[2] A woman with narcolepsy took sodium oxybate 4 grams each night at 10 pm and 2 am as well as fluoxetine 20 mg and cetirizine 5 mg daily throughout pregnancy and postpartum. She breastfed her infant except for 4 hours after the 10 pm oxybate dose and 4 hours after the 2 am dose. She either pumped breastmilk or breastfed her infant just before each dose of oxybate. The infant was exclusively breastfed or breastmilk fed for 6 months when solids were introduced. The infant was evaluated at 2, 4 and 6 months with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, which were withing the normal range as were the infant's growth and pediatrician's clinical impressions regarding the infant's growth and development.[5]

Alternate Drugs

Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Butalbital(Low Risk)
Butabarbital(Low Risk)
Phenobarbital(Low Risk)
Pentobarbital(Low Risk)
Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Secobarbital(Low Risk)
Alprazolam(Low Risk)
Ketamine(Low Risk)
Chloral Hydrate(Low Risk)
Estazolam(Low Risk)
Zolpidem(Safe)
Flurazepam(Unsafe)
Zaleplon(Safe)
Meprobamate(Low Risk)
Triazolam(Low Risk)
Butalbital(Low Risk)
Temazepam(Low Risk)
Quazepam(Unsafe)
Butabarbital(Low Risk)
Phenobarbital(Low Risk)
Oxazepam(Safe)
Pentobarbital(Low Risk)
Midazolam(Safe)
Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Lorazepam(Safe)
Secobarbital(Low Risk)
Eszopiclone(Low Risk)
Diazepam(Low Risk)
Propofol(Safe)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
Clorazepate(Low Risk)
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.