Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Catapres-TTS-1? Is Catapres-TTS-1 safe for nursing mother and child? Does Catapres-TTS-1 extracts into breast milk? Does Catapres-TTS-1 has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Catapres-TTS-1 influence milk supply or can Catapres-TTS-1 decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Catapres-TTS-1 lactation summary

Catapres-TTS-1 usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Catapres-TTS-1 is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Catapres-TTS-1 may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Catapres-TTS-1 may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Catapres-TTS-1 low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Catapres-TTS-1 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 Catapres-TTS-1 usage in lactation

It may inhibit prolactin release. Check-up blood pressure

Answer by DrLact: About Catapres-TTS-1 usage in lactation

Because of the high serum levels found in breastfed infants, possible infant side effects, and the possible negative effects on lactation, other antihypertensive agents are preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.[1] Catapres-TTS-1 used as a single postpartum dose as a neuraxial analgesia adjunct probably has not been studied, but it may reduce the need for other medications or their dosages, and appears unlikely to affect breastfeeding.[2]

Catapres-TTS-1 Side Effects in Breastfeeding

No typical Catapres-TTS-1 side effects (e.g., dry mouth, sedation) were seen in 9 infants whose mothers were taking Catapres-TTS-1, despite the infants' serum levels being about two-thirds that of their mothers'.[3] Three infants whose mothers were taking Catapres-TTS-1 150 mcg twice daily were breastfed. During the first 3 days postpartum, no adverse effects on blood glucose, electrocardiogram or blood pressure. The infants had normal growth and psychomotor development at 1 year of age, although the duration of breastfeeding and Catapres-TTS-1 use was not stated.[5] An infant was born to a mother taking Catapres-TTS-1 0.15 mg daily during pregnancy and postpartum. At 2 days of life, the infant presented with drowsiness, hypotonia, and suspected generalized seizures. At day 5, episodes of apnea were noted. On day 9 postpartum, breastfeeding was stopped and all symptoms resolved within 24 hours.[6] Catapres-TTS-1 was probably the cause of the reaction, but the relative contributions of exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding cannot be determined.

Catapres-TTS-1 Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Catapres-TTS-1 has complex, dose-related actions on both oxytocin and prolactin secretion. The net effect of the drug on nursing mothers has not been well studied. A case of hyperprolactinemia and gynecomastia occurred in a 6-year-old boy taking Catapres-TTS-1 for hyperactivity and valproic acid for a seizure disorder. Galactorrhea ceased within 3 weeks of discontinuing Catapres-TTS-1.[7] A case of Catapres-TTS-1-induced postpartum galactorrhea has also been reported.[8] The maternal 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.