Question

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

Glyburide lactation summary

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

Sulfonylureas stimulate endogenous insulin secretion. They can cause hypoglycemia. Its pharmacokinetic data (moderately high molecular weight and very high percentage of plasma protein binding) explain the zero or negligible passage into breast milk observed (Serrano 2014, Glatstein 2009, Feig 2007and 2005). Although blood sugar levels were normal in an infant whose mother was taking glibencamide (Feig 2005), one author suggests monitoring for symptoms of hypoglycemia in the infant (Glatstein 2009). List of WHO essential medicines: compatible with breastfeeding (WHO / UNICEF 2002). Diet, exercise, and breastfeeding improve blood sugar levels.

Answer by DrLact: About Glyburide usage in lactation

Limited data indicate that the levels of glyburide in milk are negligible. 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 hypoglycemic agents.[1][2]

Glyburide Side Effects in Breastfeeding

The blood glucose level was normal in one breastfed infant whose mothers was taking oral glyburide 5 mg daily.[3]
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.