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

Levosulpiride

July 2, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

IL-enantiomer of Sulpiride. Both share similar characteristics and properties. More frequently used as anti-emetic and prokinetic than as anti-psychotic agent.

Sulpiride is a Dopamine-selective antagonist that increases Prolactin serum levels which is used as anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, anti-emetic and prokinetic agent.

Its property as galactogogue has been questioned because poor methodology used by published studies that intended to prove it.

Doses at 50 mg twice-a-day after early post-partum for four weeks have been used to stimulate initiation of lactation without adverse effects in the mother.

Excretion into breast milk is moderate, however, side-effects in breastfed infants from treated mothers were not observed.

Best galactagogue effect is attained by promoting frequent breastfeeding on-demand along with the use of a proper lactation technique. Effective support to breastfeeding mothers, woman empowerment related to her ability to breastfeed and self-confidence are important factors to reinforce before start using galactagogue drugs.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Levosulpiride since it is relatively safe.

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

  • L-Sulpiride

Writings

  • ليفوسولبيريد (Arabic)
  • Левосульпирид (Cyrillic)
  • 左舒必利 (Chinese)
  • レボスルピリド (Japanese)
  • C15 H23 N3 O4 S (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Lasich AJ. Sulpiride and breastfeeding. S Afr Med J. 2005Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact. 2002Abstract
  4. Hallbauer U. Sulpiride (Eglonyl)--use to stimulate lactation. S Afr Med J. 1997Abstract
  5. Emery MM. Galactogogues: drugs to induce lactation. J Hum Lact. 1996Abstract
  6. Gravenor M. Sulpiride (Eglonyl)--use to stimulate lactation. S Afr Med J. 1996Abstract
  7. Mucci A, Nolfe G, Maj M. Levosulpiride: a review of its clinical use in psychiatry. Pharmacol Res. 1995Abstract
  8. Rossi F, Forgione A. Pharmacotoxicological aspects of levosulpiride. Pharmacol Res. 1995Abstract
  9. Bressolle F, Brès J, Fauré-Jeantis A. Absolute bioavailability, rate of absorption, and dose proportionality of sulpiride in humans. J Pharm Sci. 1992Abstract
  10. McMurdo ME, Howie PW, Lewis M, Marnie M, McEwen J, McNeilly AS. Prolactin response to low dose sulpiride. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1987Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Hofmeyr GJ, Van Iddekinge B, Blott JA. Domperidone: secretion in breast milk and effect on puerperal prolactin levels. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1985Abstract
  12. Ylikorkala O, Kauppila A, Kivinen S, Viinikka L. Treatment of inadequate lactation with oral sulpiride and buccal oxytocin. Obstet Gynecol. 1984Abstract
  13. Polatti F. Sulpiride isomers and milk secretion in puerperium. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1982Abstract
  14. Ylikorkala O, Kauppila A, Kivinen S, Viinikka L. Sulpiride improves inadequate lactation. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  15. Aono T, Aki T, Koike K, Kurachi K. Effect of sulpiride on poor puerperal lactation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982Abstract
  16. O'Leary RM. Sulpiride improves inadequate lactation. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1982Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Wiesel FA, Alfredsson G, Ehrnebo M, Sedvall G. The pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral sulpiride in healthy human subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1980Abstract
  18. Aono T, Shioji T, Aki T, Hirota K, Nomura A, Kurachi K. Augmentation of puerperal lactation by oral administration of sulpiride. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1979Abstract
  19. Fondu F. [Sulpiride and lactation]. Brux Med. 1975Abstract
  20. Kato Y, Ohgo S, Chihara K, Imura H. Stimulation of human prolactin secretion by sulpiride. Endocrinol Jpn. 1975Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)