Question

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

Fortamine lactation summary

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

First generation alkylamine-antihistamine drug, with sedative effect. Active isomer of Chlorpheniramine. Likely inhibition of lactation within the first weeks of post-natal period because of an anti-prolactin effect. Short-term and low dose treatment is compatible with breastfeeding. Be aware of somnolence in the child. For long-term treatments an alternative drug should be preferred. Compounds in association with expectorants, corticoids and cough relief medicines are commercially available. Avoid drug associations especially while breastfeeding. Follow-up on sedation and feeding ability of the infant. Bed-sharing is not recommended for mothers who are taking this medication.

Answer by DrLact: About Fortamine usage in lactation

Small, occasional doses of Fortamine would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Larger doses or more prolonged use might cause effects in the infant or decrease the milk supply, particularly in combination with a sympathomimetic such as pseudoephedrine or before lactation is well established. Single bedtime doses after the last feeding of the day may be adequate for many women and will minimize any effects of the drug. The nonsedating antihistamines are preferred alternatives.

Fortamine Side Effects in Breastfeeding

Relevant published information on Fortamine was not found as of the revision date. In one telephone follow-up study, mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms 10% of infants exposed to various antihistamines and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention. In this study, no side effects were reported among 5 infants exposed to chlorpheniramine in breastmilk.[1]

Fortamine Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

Fortamine in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[2][3] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by Fortamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[2] Whether lower oral doses of chlorpheniramine have the same effect on serum prolactin or whether the effects on prolactin have any consequences on breastfeeding success have not been studied. 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.