Tropicamide and Breastfeeding

Summary of use during lactation

No information is available on the use of tropicamide during breastfeeding. Anticholinergic drugs might interfere with breastfeeding. A single dose of ophthalmic tropicamide is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding; however, during long-term use, observe the infant for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain). To substantially diminish the amount of drug that reaches the breastmilk after using eye drops, place pressure over the tear duct by the corner of the eye for 1 minute or more, then remove the excess solution with an absorbent tissue.

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

Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[1-5] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[6] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1. AaronDK ElyDG DeweeseWP Reducing milk production in ewes at weaning using restricted feeding and methscopolamine bromide. J Anim Sci 1997 75 1434 42 9250502 PubMed
2. PowellMR KeislerDH A potential strategy for decreasing milk production in the ewe at weaning using a growth hormone release blocker. J Anim Sci 1995 73 1901 5 7592071 PubMed
3. DanielJA ThomasMG PowellMR Methscopolamine bromide blocks hypothalmic-stimulated release of growth hormone in ewes. J Anim Sci 1997 75 1359 62 9159285 PubMed
4. BizzarroA IannucciF TolinoA Inhibiting effect of atropine on prolactin blood levels after stimulation with TRH. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1980 7 108 11 6788407 PubMed
5. SvennerstenK NelsonL Juvnäs-MobergK Atropinization decreases oxytocin secretion in dairy cows. Acta Physiol Scand 1992 145 193 4 1636447 PubMed
6. MasalaA AlagnaS DevillaL Muscarinic receptor blockade by pirenzepine: Effect on prolactin secretion in man. J Endocrinol Invest 1982 5 53 5 6808052 PubMed