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

Methyldopa

January 10, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Excreted into breast milk in non-significant amount without side-effects observed in breastfed infants from mothers who were on this medication. Plasma levels in those infants were undetectable or very low.

Prolactin level may be increased with the appearance of galactorrhea. Such increase of Prolactin level will not affect breastfeeding ability of a mother who has an established lactation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics rates is as compatible with breastfeeding.

List of Medicines (WHO-2002): compatible with Breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Methyldopa 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

  • メチルドパ
  • ميثيلدوبا
  • μεθυλντόπα
  • Метилдопа
  • 甲基多巴

Drug trade names

References

  1. Anderson PO. Treating Hypertension During Breastfeeding. Breastfeed Med. 2018Abstract
  2. Malachias MV, Figueiredo CE, Sass N, Antonello IC, Torloni MR, Bortolotto MRF L. 7th Brazilian Guideline of Arterial Hypertension: Chapter 9 - Arterial Hypertension in pregnancy Arq Bras Cardiol. 2016Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Serrano Aguayo P, García de Quirós Muñoz JM, Bretón Lesmes I, Cózar León MV. Tratamiento de enfermedades endocrinológicas durante la lactancia. [Endocrinologic diseases management during breastfeeding.] Med Clin (Barc). 2015Abstract
  4. Dennis AT. Management of pre-eclampsia: issues for anaesthetists. Anaesthesia. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Ghanem FA, Movahed A. Use of antihypertensive drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Cardiovasc Ther. 2008Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Beardmore KS, Morris JM, Gallery ED. Excretion of antihypertensive medication into human breast milk: a systematic review. Hypertens Pregnancy. 2002Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  7. 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)
  8. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. White WB, Andreoli JW, Cohn RD. Alpha-methyldopa disposition in mothers with hypertension and in their breast-fed infants. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1985Abstract
  10. Hauser GJ, Almog S, Tirosh M, Spirer Z. Effect of alpha-methyldopa excreted in human milk on the breast-fed infant. Helv Paediatr Acta. 1985Abstract
  11. Jones HM, Cummings AJ. A study of the transfer of alpha-methyldopa to the human foetus and newborn infant. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1978Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)