Is Alendronate safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Alendronate. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Because alendronate can persist in the body for years after long-term administration, the following cases may be relevant. A woman received alendronate for 6 months, then pamidronate every 4 months for 1 year prior to conception. Her infant was breastfed (extent not stated) for 3 months. The infant had mild hypocalcemia at 2 months of age, but a normal calcium level and normal long bone development at 5 months of age.[ 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Levels in milk
Alendronate is poorly absorbed orally (average in adults 1% on an empty stomach, negligible with food and calcium), so absorption of alendronate by a breastfed infant is unlikely. Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: NIH LactMed (National Library of Medicine).
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.