Summary of Use during Lactation

Because no information is available on the use of ethacrynic acid during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Low doses of ethacrynic acid may not suppress lactation.

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

Ethacrynic acid was reportedly used successfully to suppress lactation in 6 postpartum women who did not want to breastfeed and to decrease the intensity of milk production in another.[1] The added contribution of the diuretic to the other measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied. No data exist on the effects of loop diuretics on established, ongoing lactation.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide

References

1.

Mahon R, Dubecq J, Baudet E, et al. Bull Fed Soc Gynecol Obstet Lang Fr. 1968;20:440–2. [Use of Edecrine in obstetrics] [PubMed: 5759113]

Substance Name

Ethacrynic Acid

CAS Registry Number

58-54-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antihypertensive Agents

Loop Diuretics