Is Famotidine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Famotidine. This is a summary of that source — not our own verdict.
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Histamine H2-receptor blockade is known to stimulate prolactin secretion.[ 3 ] Oral famotidine usually does not affect serum prolactin levels, but rare cases of hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea have been reported.[ 4 , 5 ] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Eight women who had "recently given birth" (not defined, but apparently within a few days postpartum) were given famotidine 40 mg orally. An average peak breastmilk level of 72 mcg/L occurred 6 hours after the dose.[ 1 ] Using the peak milk level data from this study, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an estimated maximum of 0.01 mg/kg daily with this maternal dosage regimen or less than 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. Seven women were given oral famotidine 40 mg daily in 2 or 4 divided doses for 3 days at 12 to 16 weeks postpartum. Average concentrations of famotidine in breastmilk were 53 and 55 mcg/L at 3 and 6 hours after a dose, respectively.[ 2 ] 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.