Question

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

Chlorphenamine lactation summary

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

First generation antihistaminic and alchylamine drug, with sedative effect. Its active isomer is Dexchlorfeniramine. Likely inhibition of lactation within the first weeks post delivery because anti-prolactin effect.. Short-term and low dose (2 mg one or twice-day) treatment is compatible with breastfeeding. Be aware of somnolence in the child. For long-term treatment an alternative drug should be preferred. Compounds in association with expectorants, corticoids and cough relief medicines are available. Avoid drug associations especially while breastfeeding. 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 Chlorphenamine usage in lactation

Small (2 to 4 mg), occasional doses of chlorpheniramine are acceptable during breastfeeding. Larger doses or more prolonged use might cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as spseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. Single bedtime doses after the last feeding of the day may be adequate for many women and will minimize any effects of the drug. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives, though.

Chlorphenamine Side Effects in Breastfeeding

In one telephone follow-up study, mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms 10% of infants exposed to various antihistamines and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention. In this study, no side effects were reported among 5 infants exposed to chlorpheniramine in breastmilk.[1]

Chlorphenamine Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Dexchlorpheniramine in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2][3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by dexchlorpheniramine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] Whether lower oral doses of chlorpheniramine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied.

Alternate Drugs for Antihistamines for systemic use. ATC R06A.

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.