Atropine use while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during 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., infant insatiety, poor weight gain).

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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.[1-5] 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.

References

1.

Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP, et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci 1997;75:1434-42. [PubMed: 9250502]

2.

Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, et al. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci 1997;75:1359-62. [PubMed: 9159285]

3.

Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci 1995;73:1901-5. [PubMed: 7592071]

4.

Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A, et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1980;7:108-11. [PubMed: 6788407]

5.

Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnäs-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand 1992;145:193-4. [PubMed: 1636447]

6.

Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L, et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: Effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest 1982;5:53-5. [PubMed: 6808052]

Substance Name

Atropine

CAS Registry Number

51-55-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antiarrhythmics

Bronchodilator Agents

Mydriatics

Parasympatholytics

Muscarinic Antagonists