Question

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

Glimepiride lactation summary

Glimepiride is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Glimepiride is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Glimepiride may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Glimepiride may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Glimepiride .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Glimepiride Vs not using Glimepiride And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Glimepiride Its must to monitor 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 Glimepiride usage in lactation

Sulfonilurea drugs stimulate secretion of endogen insulin. Oral anti-diabetic drugs are useless for treatment of diabetes type 1. For diabetes type 2, diet and exercise are advisable. Breastfeeding helps to lower glucemia level. See section on Maternal diabetes mellitus

Answer by DrLact: About Glimepiride usage in lactation

Because no information is available on the use of glimepiride during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with glimepiride.[1][2]
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.