Question

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

Chloral monohydrate lactation summary

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

Sporadic use is harmless. (Used as a hypnotic drug for non painful procedures: CAT, EEG, MRI, etc. A repetitive use may be a cause of somnolence. Not commercially available in Spain as a sedative or hypnotic drug. American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Chloral monohydrate usage in lactation

Short-term or occasional use of Chloral monohydrate during breastfeeding is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. Because the active metabolite of Chloral monohydrate has a long half-life, other sedative-hypnotics are preferred for long-term use during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a neonate or preterm infant. Monitor the infant for excessive drowsiness.

Chloral monohydrate Side Effects in Breastfeeding

An old review article states that if an infant is breastfed within 45 minutes of a maternal dose of Chloral monohydrate while she is taking 1.5 grams twice daily, the infant will fall into a prolonged, restless sleep.[3] A single maternal rectal dose of 1.3 grams Chloral monohydrate in 50 women was stated to not adversely affect their breastfed newborn infants.[1] Minimal morning sedation occurred in a 5-month-old breastfed infant whose mother was taking 1.3 grams of dichloralphenazone (equivalent to about 1 gram of Chloral monohydrate) every evening plus chlorpromazine 100 mg 3 times daily. The infant's overall development was said to be normal at 3 months of age.[2]

Alternate Drugs

Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Chloral Hydrate(Low Risk)
Zolpidem(Safe)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
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)
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.