Bumetanide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

It is unknown if bumetanide is excreted into breastmilk. It should be avoided while breastfeeding a newborn because it may decrease milk flow or completely suppress lactation. Low doses in mothers whose lactation is well established are unlikely to suppress lactation.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

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

Relevant published information on bumetanide was not found as of the revision date. Intense diuresis, fluid restriction and breast binding have been used to suppress lactation immediately postpartum.[1-4] 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.

Alternative drugs to consider

Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide

References

1. Healy M. Suppressing lactation with oral diuretics. Lancet 1961;277:1353–4. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(61)90289-6
2. Stout G. Suppression of lactation. Br Med J 1962;1:1150.18117911 PubMed
3. Reiher KH. Suppression of lactation by stimulation of diuresis. Zentralbl Gynakol 1963;85:188–90.13973786 PubMed
4. Cominos DC, Van Der Walt A, Van Rooyen AJ. Suppression of postpartum lactation with furosemide. S Afr Med J 1976;50:251–2.3858