Which steroid is safe in breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Steroid Use During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing their health conditions while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common concern is the use of corticosteroids, which are sometimes necessary for treating various medical conditions. The good news is that certain steroids can be used safely during breastfeeding, provided that specific guidelines are followed.
Corticosteroids and Breastfeeding
Corticosteroids, including prednisone and prednisolone, are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The key recommendation is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to manage the mother’s condition. This approach minimizes the potential exposure of the infant to the medication through breast milk.
Research indicates that maternal doses of prednisone up to 40 mg produce low levels in breast milk and are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants. For instance, a study involving mothers taking prednisone showed no significant negative impacts on their infants. Additionally, waiting about four hours after taking the medication before breastfeeding can further reduce the amount of steroid that the baby receives.
Specific Steroids and Their Safety Profiles
1. Prednisone: This oral corticosteroid is commonly prescribed for various inflammatory conditions. Studies have shown that it can be safely used during breastfeeding, especially at lower doses. A mother with Crohn’s disease successfully used a tapering schedule of prednisone postpartum while breastfeeding.
2. Prednisolone: Similar to prednisone, prednisolone is also deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research has indicated that doses of prednisolone between 5 to 7.5 mg daily have been used without adverse effects on infants.
3. Topical Corticosteroids: For mothers using topical corticosteroids, the amount that enters breast milk is minimal. Therefore, there is no need to discontinue breastfeeding while using these medications.
4. Steroid Injections: Mothers receiving steroid injections can continue breastfeeding, as the amount of steroid that passes into breast milk is very small, significantly less than what would be considered safe from oral prednisolone.
Conclusion
In summary, corticosteroids like prednisone and prednisolone can be safely used by breastfeeding mothers when prescribed appropriately. The emphasis should always be on using the lowest effective dose and timing the medication to minimize exposure to the infant. As always, mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans that prioritize both their health and the safety of their breastfeeding infants.

Is Medrol safe while breastfeeding?

Amounts of methylprednisolone in breastmilk are very low and no adverse reactions in breastfed infants have been reported, even with intravenous doses of 1 gram.

Which steroid is safe in pregnancy?

Although it is considered optimal to use prednisone at less than 20mg/day in pregnancy, it is generally accepted that higher doses are allowable for aggressive disease. Inflammation from uncontrolled autoimmune activity is potentially more harmful to maternal and fetal health than high-dose steroids.

Is prednisone 10 mg safe while breastfeeding?

Prednisolone and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take prednisolone while breastfeeding. Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.

What steroids can I take while breastfeeding?

Methylprednisolone is probably suitable to use during breastfeeding as long as it is taken in low-moderate doses (do not exceed 80 mg daily). If high doses are needed pump and dump for 8-12 hours. A one time injection in your back will probably not effect your milk supply, but cannot say for sure everyone is different.

Is Flonase ok to take while breastfeeding?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount.

Is nasal steroid spray safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Although not measured, the amounts of inhaled corticosteroids absorbed into the maternal bloodstream and excreted into breastmilk are probably too small to affect a breastfed infant. Expert opinion considers inhaled, nasal and oral corticosteroids acceptable to use during breastfeeding.

Is prednisone bad for baby?

Preterm birth and low birth
Following reports that corticosteroids were teratogenic in mice, researchers reported that prednisone use in pregnancy was associated with low birth weight in the full term offspring of both humans and mice.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Is it safe to get a steroid shot while breastfeeding?

You can have hydrocortisone injections if you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much hydrocortisone passes into breast milk, but because most of it stays in your joint, it’s likely to be a tiny amount. It’s unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Is methylprednisolone safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Amounts of methylprednisolone in breastmilk are very low and no adverse reactions in breastfed infants have been reported, even with intravenous doses of 1 gram.