Question

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

Alpen lactation summary

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

Alpen is excreted in breast milk in clinically insignificant amounts (Rowe, 2013, Mylonas, 2011, Zhang, 1997, Fulton, 1992, Campbell 1991, Matsuda 1984), much lower than the dose used for newborns and infants ( Chin, 2000; Reali, 2005). No side effects have been observed in infants whose mothers were taking it except for some episodes of diarrhea or candidiasis due to altered intestinal flora (Chin, 2000). The possible negativity of cultures in febrile infants whose mothers take antibiotics should be taken into account, as well as the possibility of gastroenteritis due to altered intestinal flora (Benyamini 2005, Ito 1993, Kafetzis 1981).

Answer by DrLact: About Alpen usage in lactation

Substantial information indicates that Alpen produces low levels in milk that are not expected to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. Occasionally disruption of the infant's gastrointestinal flora, resulting in diarrhea or thrush have been reported with penicillins, but these effects have not been adequately evaluated. Alpen is acceptable in nursing mothers.

Alpen Side Effects in Breastfeeding

An uncontrolled observation of the breastfed infants of mothers taking Alpen noted a seeming increase in cases of diarrhea and candidiasis that was attributed to Alpen in breastmilk.[7]In a prospective follow-up study, 5 nursing mothers reported taking Alpen (dosage unspecified). One mother reported diarrhea in her infant. No rashes or candidiasis were reported among the exposed infants.[8]A small, controlled, prospective study had mothers monitor their infants for signs of adverse effects (furring of the tongue, feeding difficulties, changes in stool frequency and consistency, diaper rash, and skin rash). Weight change and the development of jaundice were also recorded. No statistical differences in these parameters were found between the infants of the control mothers and those of mothers taking Alpen.[9]

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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.