Is Thioridazine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what NIH LactMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's authority on medicines and breastfeeding, reports about Thioridazine. 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
Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[ 1 , 2 ] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[ 3 - 6 ] There is some evidence that thioridazine increases serum prolactin to a greater extent than other phenothiazines.[ 7 ] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[ 8 ] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
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.
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.