Question

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

Dicyclomine lactation summary

Dicyclomine is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Dicyclomine is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Dicyclomine may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Dicyclomine may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Dicyclomine .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Dicyclomine Vs not using Dicyclomine And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Dicyclomine Its must to monitor 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 Dicyclomine usage in lactation

Because of high protein-binding capacity, clinically significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely. However, both the mother and the infant would benefit of the use of a better-known alternative drug that would be safer while breastfeeding, especially in the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. In spite of a low excretion into breast milk, it has been described a case of severe apnea in a 12 days old infant. A causal connection between those features and this drug has not been clearly defined (Briggs 2011, p. 410). It is licensed for use in children from 6 months of age as intestinal antispasmodic and treatment of Familial Mediterranean Fever, so there would be less risky when used by the breastfeeding mother.

Answer by DrLact: About Dicyclomine usage in lactation

Dicyclomine has not been well studied during breastfeeding. However, one possible case of apnea has been reported in a breastfed infant that is similar to reactions that have occurred in infants given the drug directly.[1] Dicyclomine should not be used during lactation.

Dicyclomine Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. The manufacturer reported a breastfed infant who developed apnea during maternal therapy with dicyclomine.[1] Dicyclomine is a possible cause of the reaction.

Dicyclomine Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information in nursing mothers was not found as of the revision date. Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[2][3][4][5][6] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
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.