Is Betamethasone compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Betamethasone?

Betamethasone

March 22, 2018 (Low Risk)

Because pharmacokinetic data suggest excretion into breast milk in significant levels long lasting treatments should use other steroidal drugs known to be excreted in low amounts.

When administered before delivery it may induce delay in phase II of Lactogenesis (coming-in) and a decrease of milk production within the first week post-partum.

Large intra-articular doses may transitory decrease milk production.

WHO Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • 9α-Fluoro-16β-methylprednisolone
  • Flubenisolone

Writings

  • Βηταμεθαζόνη (Greek)
  • بيتاميثازون (Arabic)
  • Бетаметазон (Cyrillic)
  • 倍他米松 (Chinese)
  • ベタメタゾン (Japanese)
  • C22 H29 FO5 (Molecular formula)
  • 9α-Fluoro-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (Chemical name)
  • C05AA05; D07AC01; H02AB01; R01AD06; R03BA04; S01BA06; S02BA07; S03BA03 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Babwah TJ, Nunes P, Maharaj RG. An unexpected temporary suppression of lactation after a local corticosteroid injection for tenosynovitis. Eur J Gen Pract. 2013Abstract
  2. Dennis CL, Schottle N, Hodnett E, McQueen K. An all-purpose nipple ointment versus lanolin in treating painful damaged nipples in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial. Breastfeed Med. 2012Abstract
  3. McGuire E. Sudden loss of milk supply following high-dose triamcinolone (Kenacort) injection. Breastfeed Rev. 2012Abstract
  4. Henderson JJ, Newnham JP, Simmer K, Hartmann PE. Effects of antenatal corticosteroids on urinary markers of the initiation of lactation in pregnant women. Breastfeed Med. 2009Abstract
  5. Henderson JJ, Hartmann PE, Newnham JP, Simmer K. Effect of preterm birth and antenatal corticosteroid treatment on lactogenesis II in women. Pediatrics. 2008Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Lockshin MD, Sammaritano LR. Corticosteroids during pregnancy. Scand J Rheumatol Suppl. 1998Abstract
  8. Amir L. Eczema of the nipple and breast: a case report. J Hum Lact. 1993Abstract
  9. Martell M, Oehninger C, Scotti C, Delgado L, Martĭnez M, Korc I. Influence of glucocorticoid and betamimetic therapy on milk secretory IgA concentration produced by mothers delivering preterm infants. J Perinat Med. 1985Abstract