Summary of Use during Lactation

No information is available on the use of oxybutynin during breastfeeding. Long-term use of oxybutynin might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).

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

Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[1-5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed. The manufacturer reports that cases of lactation suppression have been reported with some oxybutynin (immediate-release) formulations in postmarketing surveillance.[7]

References

1.

Aaron DK, Ely DG, Deweese WP, et al. Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1434–42. [PubMed: 9250502]

2.

Powell MR, Keisler DH. A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci. 1995;73:1901–5. [PubMed: 7592071]

3.

Daniel JA, Thomas MG, Powell MR, et al. Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci. 1997;75:1359–62. [PubMed: 9159285]

4.

Bizzarro A, Iannucci F, Tolino A, et al. Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1980;7:108–11. [PubMed: 6788407]

5.

Svennersten K, Nelson L, Juvnäs-Moberg K. Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand. 1992;145:193–4. [PubMed: 1636447]

6.

Masala A, Alagna S, Devilla L, et al. Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: Effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest. 1982;5:53–5. [PubMed: 6808052]

7.

Ditropan XL package insert. Janssen Pharmaceutical, Inc., Titusville, NJ. August, 2017.

Substance Name

Oxybutinyn

CAS Registry Number

5633-20-5

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Muscarinic Antagonists

Parasympatholytics