Is loperamide safe for breastfeeding moms?

Understanding Loperamide and Breastfeeding Safety
Loperamide, commonly known by its brand name Imodium, is a medication frequently used to treat diarrhea. For breastfeeding mothers, concerns often arise regarding the safety of taking medications while nursing. Recent insights into loperamide’s effects during breastfeeding suggest that it is generally considered safe, but it’s essential to understand the specifics.
Minimal Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that only tiny amounts of loperamide pass into breast milk. This limited transfer means that the concentration of the drug in breastfed infants is significantly low, making it unlikely that they would absorb a substantial amount through breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified loperamide as compatible with breastfeeding, reinforcing the notion that its use is unlikely to pose risks to infants.
Pharmacokinetics and Infant Safety
Loperamide has a low oral bioavailability, which means that even if it does enter breast milk, it is not easily absorbed by the infant’s body. Studies have shown that the levels of loperamide in breast milk are non-significant, further supporting its safety profile for nursing mothers. While comprehensive studies specifically examining loperamide in breastfeeding are limited, existing data on its prodrug, loperamide oxide, provides some reassurance regarding its use shortly after delivery.
Clinical Recommendations
Healthcare professionals often advise that the decision to use loperamide should be made in consultation with a doctor, weighing the benefits against any potential risks. For mothers experiencing acute diarrhea, loperamide can offer effective relief without significant concern for their breastfeeding infants. However, as with any medication, it is crucial for mothers to monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, loperamide is generally regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal transfer to breast milk and low absorption by infants. While it is always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication, the current evidence supports the use of loperamide for managing diarrhea in nursing mothers without significant risk to their babies.

Who Cannot take loperamide?

Do not take loperamide if you: have severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics. are having a flare-up of an inflammatory bowel condition like ulcerative colitis. are constipated or your stomach looks swollen.

What can I take to settle my stomach while breastfeeding?

Medicines to treat gas and bloating, such as Gas-X, Maalox, Mylanta, and others, are safe to take while breastfeeding. They contain simethicone, which is sometimes given to infants. It is also not absorbed into the mother’s system, so wouldn’t be transmitted in breast milk.

What can I take for motion sickness while breastfeeding?

Hyoscine hydrobromide is used in infants over 1 month old and is the preferred medicine for motion sickness during breastfeeding.

Is loperamide safe during breastfeeding?

It’s OK to take loperamide while you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts of loperamide pass into breast milk, and your baby will not be able to absorb a lot into their body from breastfeeding. It’s not expected to cause any side effects in your baby.

What can I take for diarrhea while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers can take loperamide and/or rehydrating solutions and feed as normal. Acute diarrhoea is a sudden onset or loose and/or frequent bowel motions. It may be caused by infections e.g. food poisoning or a virus.

Is loperamide safe for pregnant?

The only pregnancy-safe medication for diarrhea during pregnancy is loperamide (Imodium®). But note that it shouldn’t be taken after the first trimester and shouldn’t be taken for more than 24 hours.

Which antidiarrheal drugs are safe in lactation?

Given the safety profile of metformin, as compared with sulfonylureas, it is advisable to consider metformin as first-line treatment during lactation if this drug is appropriate for the particular patient. Nevertheless, second-generation sulfonylureas are also likely to be safe during lactation.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass diarrhea to a baby?

Breastfeeding with travelers’ diarrhea
However, she should also increase her own fluid intake to prevent dehydration (loss of too much water in the body). The organisms that cause travelers’ diarrhea do not pass through breast milk.

What can I take for a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects