Is Dihydrocodeine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Dihydrocodeine. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A woman began taking dihydrocodeine drops for cough twice daily (5.28 mg) beginning on the first day postpartum. One day later, her breastfed infant was difficult to arouse and was not breastfeeding well. The infant had bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. After 24 hours in the hospital, all symptoms resolved. The symptoms were possibly caused by dihydrocodeine in milk.[ 2 ]
Effects on milk supply
Narcotics can increase serum prolactin.[ 3 ] However, the prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Dihydrocodeine is metabolized via CYP2D6 to the active metabolite, dihydromorphine, which has a potency similar to morphine. Other weakly active metabolites include nordihydrocodeine, which is formed via CYP3A4, and dihydrocodeine-6-glucuronide. Both dihydrocodeine and dihydrocodeine-6-glucuronide are excreted renally.[ 1 ] 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.