Question

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

Spironolactone lactation summary

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

A diuretic which is antagonist of Aldosterone receptor and a potassium-sparing drug. Excretion into breast milk is clinically non-significant and without side-effects observed in breastfed infants of treated mothers. A medication which is used for treatment of infants even in the neonatal period. It decreases slightly the secretion of Prolactin, however, instead other diuretic drugs, a suppressive effect on lactation has not been reported. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2001) rates it as Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding. Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Spironolactone usage in lactation

Spironolactone appears acceptable to use during breastfeeding.

Spironolactone Side Effects in Breastfeeding

In 17-day-old breastfed (extent not stated) infant whose mother was taking 25 mg of spironolactone 4 times daily since pregnancy, serum sodium and potassium remained normal.[1]Spironolactone 75 mg every other day was taken orally by a mother while nursing a newborn. She was also taking 400 mg of bretylium tosylate every 8 hours, atenolol 25 mg daily, propranolol 20 mg 3 times a day, and multivitamin, potassium and magnesium supplements. Jaundice, thought to be unrelated to the drug, occurred at 60 hours of age, but resolved. The infant had appropriate weight gain and development during the first 4 months of life.[2]

Spironolactone Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Intense diuresis can suppress lactation;[3][4] however, it is unlikely that spironolactone alone is sufficiently potent to cause this effect. Spironolactone can also cause gynecomastia.[5]
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.