Torsemide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

Because little information is available on the use of torsemide during breastfeeding and because intense diuresis might decrease lactation, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Low doses of torsemide may not suppress lactation.

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

Intense diuresis, fluid restriction and breast binding have been used to suppress lactation immediately postpartum.[1-4] The added contribution of the diuretic to the other measures, which are effective in suppressing lactation, has not been studied. Women who delivered following pre-eclampsia were randomized to receive either torsemide 20 mg daily or placebo for 5 days starting within 24 hours after delivery. Eighty percent of the women who received torsemide and 75% of women who received placebo breastfed. One mother who received torsemide and none who received placebo reported a decrease in breastmilk.[5]

Alternative drugs to consider

Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide

References

1. Healy M. Suppressing lactation with oral diuretics. Lancet 1961;1:1353-4.4134342 PubMed
2. Stout G. Suppression of lactation. Br Med J 1962;1:1150.18117911 PubMed
3. Reiher KH. Suppression of lactation by stimulation of diuresis. Zentralbl Gynakol 1963;85:188-90.13973786 PubMed
4. Cominos DC, Van Der Walt A, Van Rooyen AJ. Suppression of postpartum lactation with furosemide. S Afr Med J 1976;50:251-2.3858
5. Viteri OA, Alrais MA, Pedroza C, et al. Torsemide for prevention of persistent postpartum hypertension in women with preeclampsia: A randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2018;132:1185-91.30303905 PubMed