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

Lorazepam

March 22, 2018 (Very Low Risk)

Short-acting Benzodiazepine drug.

Excretion into breast milk is non-significant (Whitelaw 1981, Summerfield 1985 , Lemmer 2007). No harmful effects on breastfed infants have appeared at a normal dose (Kelly 2012).

Unusual and low doses of benzodiazepine are compatible with breastfeeding. Use a short-acting benzodiazepine and minimal effective dose as possible mostly in neonatal period.

Follow-up for sedation and feeding ability of the infant.

Bed-sharing is not recommended for mothers who are taking this medication.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Lorazepam 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.

Writings

  • Λοραζεπάμη (Greek)
  • لورازيبام (Arabic)
  • Лоразепам (Cyrillic)
  • 氯拉西泮 (Chinese)
  • ロラゼパム (Japanese)
  • C15H10Cl2N2O2 (Molecular formula)
  • C15 H10 Cl2 N2 O2 (Molecular formula)
  • 7-Chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one (Chemical name)
  • N05BA06 (ATC Code/s)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Grover S, Avasthi A. Mood stabilizers in pregnancy and lactation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative statement on Bed-sharing when parents do not smoke: is there a risk of SIDS? An individual level analysis of five major case-control studies. 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. 2013Abstract
  4. Kelly LE, Poon S, Madadi P, Koren G. Neonatal benzodiazepines exposure during breastfeeding. J Pediatr. 2012Abstract
  5. L.Landa Rivera, M.Díaz-Gómez, A.Gómez Papi, J.M.Paricio Talayero, C.Pallás Alonso, M.T.Hernández Aguilar, J.Aguayo Maldonado, J.M.Arena Ansotegui, S.Ares Segura, A.Jiménez Moya, J.J.Lasarte Velillas, J.Martín Calama, M.D.Romero Escós. El colecho favorece la práctica de la lactancia materna y no aumenta el riesgo de muerte súbita del lactante. Dormir con los padres. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 14:53-60 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. ABM - Comité de protocolos de la Academia médica de lactancia materna (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine). Protocolo Clínico de la ABM #6: Lineamientos sobre la práctica de dormir al bebé junto con la madre y la lactancia materna Revisión, marzo de 2008. Breastfeeding Medicine 2008 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. ABM - The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #6: Guideline on Co-Sleeping and Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine 2008Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Lemmer P, Schneider S, Mühe A, Wennig R. Quantification of lorazepam and lormetazepam in human breast milk using GC-MS in the negative chemical ionization mode. J Anal Toxicol. 2007Abstract
  9. UNICEF UK. Compartiendo la cama con tu bebé. Guía para madres que amamantan. Folleto 2006 Full text (in our servers)
  10. Rubin ET, Lee A, Ito S. When breastfeeding mothers need CNS-acting drugs. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2004Abstract
  11. Yonkers KA, Wisner KL, Stowe Z, Leibenluft E, Cohen L, Miller L, Manber R, Viguera A, Suppes T, Altshuler L. Management of bipolar disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Am J Psychiatry. 2004Abstract
  12. Iqbal MM, Sobhan T, Ryals T. Effects of commonly used benzodiazepines on the fetus, the neonate, and the nursing infant. Psychiatr Serv. 2002Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  13. McElhatton PR. The effects of benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and lactation. Reprod Toxicol. 1994Abstract
  14. Lee JJ, Rubin AP. Breast feeding and anaesthesia. Anaesthesia. 1993Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  15. Summerfield RJ, Nielsen MS. Excretion of lorazepam into breast milk. Br J Anaesth. 1985Abstract
  16. Kanto JH. Use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy, labour and lactation, with particular reference to pharmacokinetic considerations. Drugs. 1982Abstract
  17. Johnstone MJ. The effect of lorazepam on neonatal feeding behaviour at term. Pharmatherapeutica. 1982Abstract
  18. Whitelaw AG, Cummings AJ, McFadyen IR. Effect of maternal lorazepam on the neonate. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1981Abstract