Diltiazem and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Based on limited data, amounts of diltiazem ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

Drug levels in milk and infant serum

Maternal Levels. In one patient who was 14 days postpartum, peak milk levels of 190 to 230 mcg/L occurred about 2 hours after the dose during an oral regimen of 60 mg four times daily. The levels and time course of the drug in milk closely paralleled serum levels.[1] Using the peak milk level data from this patient, an exclusively breastfed infant would receive an estimated maximum of 0.9% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. 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

Nifedipine, Verapamil

References

1. Okada M, Inoue H, Nakamura Y, et al. Excretion of diltiazem in human milk. N Engl J Med 1985;312:992-3.3974691 PubMed