Is Bepotastine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Bepotastine. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information on bepotastine was not found as of the revision date. In one telephone follow-up study, mothers reported irritability and colicky symptoms in 10% of infants exposed to various antihistamines and drowsiness was reported in 1.6% of infants. None of the reactions required medical attention and none of the patients were using bepotastine.[ 1 ]
Effects on milk supply
Antihistamines in relatively high doses given by injection can decrease basal serum prolactin in nonlactating women and in early postpartum women.[ 2 , 3 ] However, suckling-induced prolactin secretion is not affected by antihistamine pretreatment of postpartum mothers.[ 2 ] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed. Low ophthalmic doses of bepotastine are unlikely to have the same effect on serum prolactin.
Levels in milk
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.
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.