Chlorpropamide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Chlorpropamide is no longer marketed in the United States. Limited data indicate that amounts of chlorpropamide in breastmilk are unlikely to affect a breastfed infant. Short-acting drugs are generally preferred while breastfeeding a neonate to avoid drug accumulation. Monitor breastfed infants for signs of hypoglycemia such as jitteriness, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, seizures cyanosis, apnea, or hypothermia. If there is concern, monitoring of the breastfed infant's blood glucose is advisable during maternal therapy with hypoglycemic agents.[1,2]

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. No studies on the excretion of chlorpropamide into breastmilk have been published. The manufacturer states that a level of 5 mg/L was found in breastmilk 5 hours after a 500 mg dose; however, no study details were given.[1,3] 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 was not found as of the revision date.

Alternative drugs to consider

Acarbose, Glipizide, Glyburide, Insulin, Metformin, Miglitol

References

1. Everett JA. Use of oral antidiabetic agents during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact 1997;13:319-21.9429368 PubMed
2. Berlin CM, Briggs GG. Drugs and chemicals in human milk. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2005;10:149-59.15701580 PubMed
3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation, 11th ed. Philadelphia. Wolters Kluwer. 2017.