Question

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

(Corticosteroids) lactation summary

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

Corticosteroids are commonly found in breast milk at an average concentration of 6-33 micrograms / liter. When used topically, in inhalation, intra-articular or enema: Its low absorption through the skin, nasal or bronchial mucosa, joint or colon, makes it unlikely a excretion into breast milk in significant amount. It has been published a case of decreased milk production after intra-articular injection of corticosteroids. Should you be treated for eczema or dermatitis of the nipple, choose the least potent corticosteroid, make sure to apply it just after the meal to make sure it has been absorbed before the next meal, if necessary remove excess of cream with a gauze and do not used it for more than a week. Mineralocorticoid toxicity has occurred in an infant after continuous application of a corticosteroid in the nipple.Avoid application creams, gels and other paraffin-containing products on the nipple, to avoid ingestion by the infant. The American Academy Pediatrics states that systemic corticoid treatment is compatible with breastfeeding, recommending the use of prednisone or prednisolone because it is barely excreted in the breast milk.WHO List of Essential Medicines 2002: classifies it as compatible with breastfeeding. For a more detailed information, please check the specific profile of each steroid separately. See below the information of these related groups:
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.