Question

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

Answer by DrLact: About Trihexyphenidyl usage in lactation

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of trihexyphenidyl up to 4 mg daily together with haloperidol did not produce any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Long-term use of trihexyphenidyl might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).

Trihexyphenidyl Side Effects in Breastfeeding

One woman with schizophrenia took trihexyphenidyl and haloperidol during 3 pregnancies and postpartum. The trihexyphenidyl dose was 4 mg daily in all 3 pregnancies. She breastfed (extent not stated) all 3 children for 6 to 8 months using the same doses. Development was age-appropriate in all children aged 16 months at 8 years of age at the time of assessment.[1]

Trihexyphenidyl Possible Effects in Breastfeeding

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. One woman with schizophrenia took trihexyphenidyl and haloperidol during 3 pregnancies and postpartum. She was able to breastfeed (extent not stated) all 3 children for 6 to 8 months.[1] The prolactin elevating effect of haloperidol might have counteracted any prolactin lowering effect of trihexyphenidyl.
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