Question

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

Formoterol lactation summary

Formoterol is safe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Formoterol is 1 out of 8 which is considered Safe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 1 indicates that usage of Formoterol is mostly safe during lactation for breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research also indicates that Formoterol does not cause any serious side effects in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Formoterol safe in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher 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 Formoterol usage in lactation

Bronchodilator of long-lasting action. At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. Terbutaline which is a compound closely related to Formoterol is excreted into breast milk in non-significant amount.Salmeterol, another compound with similar characteristics, is also non-significantly excreted. With a relatively high molecular weight, excretion into breast milk seems unlikely. Expert consensus states that the use of inhaled bronchodilators is compatible with breastfeeding due to a minimal absorption and low levels achieved in the mother's plasma. Inhaled therapy with bronchodilators is preferred since they use a lower dose (less likelihood of excretion into milk)

Answer by DrLact: About Formoterol usage in lactation

Although no published data exist on the use of formoterol by inhaler during lactation, data from the related drug, terbutaline, indicate that very little is expected to be excreted into breastmilk.[1] The authors of several reviews and an expert panel agree that use of inhaled bronchodilators is acceptable during breastfeeding because of the low bioavailability and maternal serum levels after use.[2][3][4][5][6]
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.