Is Carteolol safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Carteolol. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A study of mothers taking beta-blockers during nursing found a numerically, but not statistically significant increased number of adverse reactions in those taking any beta-blocker. Although the ages of infants were matched to control infants, the ages of the affected infants were not stated. None of the mothers were taking carteolol.[ 4 ] Beta-adrenergic blocking drugs with similar breastmilk excretion characteristics have caused adverse effects in breastfed newborns.[ 5 , 6 ]
Effects on milk supply
A study in 6 patients with hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea found no changes in serum prolactin levels following beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol.[ 7 ] There are no reports on the effects of beta-blockade or carteolol use during normal lactation.
Levels in milk
The excretion of beta-adrenergic blocking drugs into breastmilk is largely determined by their protein binding. Those with low binding are more extensively excreted into breastmilk.[ 3 ] Accumulation of the drugs in the infant is related to the fraction excreted in urine. With 60% protein binding, 15% renal excretion and a moderately long half-life, carteolol presents a relatively high risk for accumulation in infants, especially neonates. 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.