Nalmefene and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

No information is available on the use of nalmefene in nursing mothers. If nalmefene is required by the mother for an opiate overdose, she should withhold nursing until the opiate is out of her system. Because nalmefene has some oral bioavailability, use in a nursing mother might cause abstinence symptoms in a breastfed infant who is opioid tolerant.

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

Nalmefene increases serum prolactin in nonpregnant and nonlactating individuals.[1,2] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternative drugs to consider

Naloxone

References

1. Kreek MJ, Schluger J, Borg L, et al. Dynorphin A1-13 causes elevation of serum levels of prolactin through an opioid receptor mechanism in humans: Gender differences and implications for modulation of dopaminergic tone in the treatment of addictions. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999;288:260-9.9862779 PubMed
2. Bart G, Schluger JH, Borg L, et al. Nalmefene induced elevation in serum prolactin in normal human volunteers: Partial kappa opioid agonist activity? Neuropsychopharmacology 2005;30:2254-62.15988468 PubMed