Question

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

Propranolol lactation summary

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

Excreted into breast milk in no significant levels and without side-effects observed in breastfed infants from treated mothers.

Answer by DrLact: About Propranolol usage in lactation

Because of the low levels of propranolol in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Studies during breastfeeding have found no adverse reactions in breastfed infants clearly attributable to propranolol. No special precautions are required. Propranolol has been used successfully in cases of persistent pain of the breast during breastfeeding.[1]

Propranolol Side Effects in Breastfeeding

A study of mothers taking beta-blockers during nursing found a numerically, but not statistically significant increased number of adverse reactions in those taking any beta-blocker. Although the ages of infants were matched to control infants, the ages of the affected infants were not stated. Of 8 mothers taking propranolol, one reported sleepiness in her breastfed infant, but she was also taking other unspecified drugs for hypertension.[12] A case of bradycardia in a 2-day-old breastfed infant was reported to the French pharmacovigilance system. However it is not clear from the report whether the mother had been taking propranolol near term and might have transmitted the drug to the infant transplacentally.[13]

Propranolol Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information on the effects of beta-blockade or propranolol during normal lactation was not found as of the revision date. A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[14]

Alternate Drugs

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