Summary of Use during Lactation

Based on minimal excretion of other phenothiazine derivatives, it appears that occasional short-term use of prochlorperazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting poses little risk to the breastfed infant.

Drug Levels

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.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Galactorrhea has been reported with prochlorperazine.[1] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[2-4]The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[5]The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1.

Hooper JH, Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA 1961;178:506-7 [PubMed: 14448766]

2.

Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: Phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med 1972;130:349-54 [PubMed: 4560178]

3.

Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1972;34:62-6 [PubMed: 5061776]

4.

Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1976;33:279-86 [PubMed: 1259521]

5.

Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: Mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry 2002;63 (Suppl 4):56-62 [PubMed: 11913677]

Substance Name

Prochlorperazine

CAS Registry Number

58-38-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Antiemetics

Phenothiazines

Gastrointestinal Agents