Question

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

Atropine lactation summary

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

Either isolated dose or topical medication are safe for breastfed babies. Anti-cholinergic drugs decrease Prolactin and Oxytocin hormone secretion. Long-standing Atropine treatment could affects mother's milk production. American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.

Answer by DrLact: About Atropine usage in lactation

No information is available on the use of atropine during breastfeeding. Long-term use of atropine might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single systemic or ophthalmic dose is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).

Atropine 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.[1][2][3][4][5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] 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.