Flurazepam and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

No information is available on the excretion of flurazepam into breastmilk. One case of infant sedation was reported in a woman taking flurazepam along with other sedating drugs during breastfeeding. Because of the long duration of action of flurazepam, an alternate hypnotic is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. If flurazepam is used, monitor the infant for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain.

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

In a telephone follow-up study, 124 mothers who took a benzodiazepine while nursing reported whether their infants had any signs of sedation. One mother who was taking flurazepam (dose unclear), clonazepam 0.25 mg twice daily, 1 mg of bupropion daily, and 0.75 mg of risperidone daily reported sedation in her breastfed infant.[1]

Effects on lactation and breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternative drugs to consider

Zaleplon, Zolpidem

References

1. KellyLE PoonS MadadiP Neonatal benzodiazepines exposure during breastfeeding. J Pediatr 2012 161 448 51 22504099 PubMed