Question

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

Halcion lactation summary

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

Eventual and low doses of benzodiazepine are compatible with breastfeeding. Use a short-acting benzodiazepine and minimal effective dose as possible mostly in neonatal period. Follow-up for sedation and feeding ability of the infant. Bed-sharing is not recommended for mothers who are taking this medication.

Answer by DrLact: About Halcion usage in lactation

Because little information is available on the use of Halcion during breastfeeding, an alternate hypnotic may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Halcion has a relatively short half-life, so occasional use while breastfeeding an older infant should pose little risk to the infant, but monitor the infant for excessive drowsiness.

Halcion Side Effects in Breastfeeding

In a telephone follow-up study, 124 mothers who took a benzodiazepine while nursing reported whether their infants had any signs of sedation. One mother took Halcion while breastfeeding and reported no sedation in her infant.[1]

Alternate Drugs

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