Question

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

Clorazepate lactation summary

Clorazepate usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Clorazepate is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Clorazepate may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Clorazepate may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Clorazepate low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Clorazepate 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 Clorazepate usage in lactation

Long-acting benzodiazepine. Most of the clorazepate is metabolized to N-desmethyldiazepam (nordiazepam) which is the active metabolite of diazepam. It is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts (Rey 1979). Sedation has been observed in infants whose mothers were taking diazepam (Wesson 1985). Due to the lack of publications on this subject, until more information is known about this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives are preferred, especially in the neonatal period and in case of prematurity (McElhatton 1994). Occasional and low-dose use of benzodiazepines is compatible with breastfeeding. It is advisable to choose short-duration benzodiazepines and to use the minimum effective dose. Monitor drowsiness and the adequate feeding of the infant (Kanto 1982). It is not recommended to co-sleep with the baby if you are taking this medication (UNICEF 2013, Landa 2012, ABM 2008, UNICEF 2006).

Answer by DrLact: About Clorazepate usage in lactation

Clorazepate is excreted into breastmilk and appears to accumulate in the serum of breastfed infants. Because the half-life of clorazepate and its active metabolite are long, timing breastfeeding with respect to the dose is of little or no benefit in reducing infant exposure. Other agents may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Clorazepate Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Sedation in infants has been reported during maternal use of diazepam which has nordiazepam as its active metabolite.[3][4] Concern has also been expressed that nordiazepam may compete with bilirubin for hepatic glucuronide conjugation in the neonate.[2]

Alternate Drugs

Quazepam(Unsafe)
Clorazepate(Low Risk)
Oxazepam(Safe)
Alprazolam(Low Risk)
Midazolam(Safe)
Lorazepam(Safe)
Temazepam(Low Risk)
Meprobamate(Low Risk)
Diazepam(Low Risk)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
Clorazepate(Low Risk)
Clonazepam(Low Risk)
Oxazepam(Safe)
Alprazolam(Low Risk)
Midazolam(Safe)
Clobazam(Low Risk)
Lorazepam(Safe)
Estazolam(Low Risk)
Flurazepam(Unsafe)
Temazepam(Low Risk)
Diazepam(Low Risk)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
Quazepam(Unsafe)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
Butabarbital(Low Risk)
Quazepam(Unsafe)
Pentobarbital(Low Risk)
Clorazepate(Low Risk)
Phenobarbital(Low Risk)
Secobarbital(Low Risk)
Propofol(Safe)
Oxazepam(Safe)
Alprazolam(Low Risk)
Ketamine(Low Risk)
Chloral Hydrate(Low Risk)
Midazolam(Safe)
Zolpidem(Safe)
Estazolam(Low Risk)
Zaleplon(Safe)
Flurazepam(Unsafe)
Lorazepam(Safe)
Triazolam(Low Risk)
Eszopiclone(Low Risk)
Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Meprobamate(Low Risk)
Temazepam(Low Risk)
Butalbital(Low Risk)
Diazepam(Low Risk)
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.