Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Eiproheptadine usage in lactation

Unless it is intentionally being used to lower maternal serum prolactin levels, Eiproheptadine should be avoided during lactation because it may interfere with lactation, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives.

Eiproheptadine Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information on Eiproheptadine was not found as of the revision date. In one telephone follow-up study, mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms in 10% of infants exposed to various antihistamines and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention and none of the infants were exposed to Eiproheptadine.[1]

Eiproheptadine Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Eiproheptadine 16 to 24 mg daily lowers serum prolactin in the treatment of amenorrhea-galactorrhea syndrome because of its antiserotonin activity.[2] Additionally, antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[3][4] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[3] Whether lower oral doses of Eiproheptadine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied. It is possible that these effects would interfere with initiation of lactation, but the prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs

Meclizine(Low Risk)
Clemastine(Low Risk)
Pyrilamine(Low Risk)
Cyclizine(Low Risk)
Carbinoxamine(Low Risk)
Brompheniramine(Low Risk)
Levocetirizine(Low Risk)
Azelastine(Low Risk)
Doxylamine(Unsafe)
Acrivastine(Low Risk)
Diphenhydramine(Low Risk)
Ketotifen(Low Risk)
Dimenhydrinate(Low Risk)
Epinastine(Low Risk)
Bisacodyl(Safe)
Cyclizine(Low Risk)
Alosetron(Low Risk)
Ursodiol(Safe)
Senna(Safe)
Doxylamine(Unsafe)
Droperidol(Low Risk)
Dimenhydrinate(Low Risk)
Docusate(Safe)
Cisapride(Safe)
Cimetidine(Low Risk)
Rifaximin(Safe)
Cascara Sagrada(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.