Question

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

Minoxidil lactation summary

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

It is excreted into breast milk in non-significant amount without side-effects observed among infants whose mothers were taking this medication. This small risk can further be minimized by avoiding to nurse one hour after taking the medication, a time at which milk level is higher (4, 10, 20 and 40 times higher than if occurs within 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours respectively) The American Academy of Pediatrics states that it is usually compatible with breastfeeding. Because, few published experience is available, it would be preferred better known options, especially within the neonatal period or in case of prematurity.

Answer by DrLact: About Minoxidil usage in lactation

Because of the minimal amount of information on this potent agent, use minoxidil with caution, particularly when therapy involves a large maternal dosage or breastfeeding a newborn. Topical minoxidil should pose low risk to the breastfed infant.

Minoxidil Side Effects in Breastfeeding

No hypertrichosis or other abnormal signs were seen in one infant breastfed for 2 months of maternal minoxidil therapy.[1]

Alternate Drugs

Nadolol(Unsafe)
Minoxidil(Safe)
Irbesartan(Unsafe)
Enalapril(Safe)
Reserpine(Unsafe)
Ramipril(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Levobunolol(Low Risk)
Eprosartan(Low Risk)
Labetalol(Safe)
Lisinopril(Low Risk)
Doxazosin(Safe)
Chlorthalidone(Dangerous)
Bosentan(Low Risk)
Carvedilol(Low Risk)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Guanfacine(Low Risk)
Captopril(Safe)
Bisoprolol(Low Risk)
Indapamide(Low Risk)
Bumetanide(Low Risk)
Atenolol(Unsafe)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Acebutolol(Unsafe)
Valsartan(Low Risk)
Timolol(Safe)
Terazosin(Unsafe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Furosemide(Low Risk)
Sotalol(Low Risk)
Telmisartan(Unsafe)
Fosinopril(Low Risk)
Prazosin(Unsafe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Trandolapril(Dangerous)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Losartan(Low Risk)
Torsemide(Low Risk)
Cinnarizine(Low Risk)
Diltiazem(Safe)
Isradipine(Low Risk)
Nisoldipine(Low Risk)
Nebivolol(Unsafe)
Verapamil(Safe)
Amlodipine(Low Risk)
Felodipine(Low Risk)
Minoxidil(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.