Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops while Breastfeeding
Modern medicine has evolved so much so that sooner or later every breastfeeding mother needs to take it in one form or other. Medication that is present in mothers blood will transfer into her breast milk to some extent. Most drugs do so at low levels and pose no real risk to infants but then there are some exceptions. In This post will discuss whether Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops is safe in breast-feeding or not.

What is Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops used for?


Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP 2.5% and 10%, is indicated to dilate the pupil. Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated to dilate the pupil (1)

I am currently breastfeeding and I want to know if using Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops is safe for my kid? Does it have any effect on milk production?

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops low risk for breastfeeding
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is the one and only active ingredient present in Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops. Phenylephrine hydrochloride in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Phenylephrine hydrochloride in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.3 Nursing Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 2.5% and 10% is administered to a nursing woman.

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops Breastfeeding Analsys


Phenylephrine hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 59-42-7

Used on topical decongestant solutions for nose drops at low concentration. 10% midriatic eye drops are available. Because low concentration is used on nose and ophtalmic drops a significant excretion into breast milk is unlikely. Low oral biodisponibility minimizes any risk of harmful effect in the infant. Authorized for nasal or ophtalmic use on children aged younger than 1 year. Although on latest update relevant data on breastfeeding was not found it is considered to be safe when minimal dose is used. Avoid excessive or long term use. A related drug Pseudoephedrine can inhibit milk production. It would be advisable to press on the lachrimal sac to minimize absorption.


Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Phenylephrine hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 59-42-7

The oral bioavailability of phenylephrine is only about 40%,[1] so the drug is unlikely to reach the infant in large amounts. However, intravenous or oral administration of phenylephrine might decrease milk production. Because no information is available on the use of oral phenylephrine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.Phenylephrine nasal spray or ophthalmic drops are less likely to decrease lactation. To substantially diminish the effect of the drug after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.



I am nursing mother and I have already used Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops, what should I do?

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops so you should inform him based on your convenience.


My health care provider has asked me to use Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops, what to do?

Though Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Solution/ Drops in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients