Is Glycerol Safe in Breastfeeding
Question
I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Glycerol? Is Glycerol safe for nursing mother and child? Does Glycerol extracts into breast milk? Does Glycerol has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Glycerol influence milk supply or can Glycerol decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?
Glycerol lactation summary
- DrLact safety Score for Glycerol is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
- A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Glycerol may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
- Our study of different scientific research indicates that Glycerol may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
- Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Glycerol low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
- While using Glycerol 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 Glycerol usage in lactation
Glycerin or glycerol is a normal component of human tissues. Involved in lipid and galactose synthesis which is metabolized to glucose or glycogen.It is found naturally in breast milk, with a highest concentration in colostrum. When it is used rectally as a laxative, has little or no absorption. It has been used in preterm infants. The oral or intravenous administration is rarely used (extracellular edema, intracranial hypertension, diagnosis of Meniere's disease). A short half-life span makes it compatible with breastfeeding in these rare cases.It also compatible with intraocular administration. It has been used in creams and gels to treat pain and cracks of nipple during lactation without clear results on effectiveness. In those cases it should be cleaned thoroughly with water before the next breast suckling to prevent it could be swallowed by the infant, since a high intestinal absorption may induce an increased plasma osmolality that can result in dehydration of the infant.
Alternate Drugs for Laxatives. ATC A06
Bisacodyl(Safe)
Cascara Sagrada(Low Risk)
Docusate(Safe)
Senna(Safe)
Aloe(Low Risk)
Castor(Unsafe)
Sodium Picosulfate(Safe)
Linaclotide(Safe)
Lactulose(Safe)
Alvimopan(Low Risk)
Carabaña Water(Low Risk)
Casanthranol(Low Risk)
Phenolphthalein(Dangerous)
Glycerin(Low Risk)
Guar Gum(Safe)
Isphagula(Safe)
Castor Oil(Unsafe)
Methylcellulose(Safe)
Sodium Sulfate(Safe)
Sodium Laurilsulfate(Safe)
Docusate Calcium(Safe)
Docusate Sodium(Safe)