Summary of use during lactation
No information is available on the use of cariprazine during breastfeeding. Because cariprazine and its active metabolites are >90% protein bound, it is unlikely that clinically important amounts are excreted into milk. Cariprazine might decrease lactation. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Drug levels in milk and infant serum
Cariprazine is metabolized to two major active metabolites with a half-life of 2 to 4 days. Desmethylcariprazine has a half-life of 1 to 2 days, and didesmethylcariprazine has a half-life of 1 to 3 weeks. Both are considered to be equipotent to cariprazine. The drug and metabolites are all >90% bound to plasma proteins. 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
Cariprazine has little to no effect on serum prolactin levels.[1] It is possible that cariprazine might decrease lactation like aripiprazole and benznidazole because they are pharmacologically similar, but no cases have been reported.[2]
Alternative drugs to consider
Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NCBI Bookshelf. Check LactMed for the most recent revision.
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