Esmolol and Breastfeeding

No research has been done on breastfeeding and esmolol, so it is not known whether the medication passes through breast milk. Since the drug is so short-acting, however, it is not expected to cause significant problems in an infant even if it does pass through breast milk. Before taking this medication, women who are breastfeeding should first consult their healthcare providers.

Is Esmolol Safe for Breastfeeding Women?

It is unknown if esmolol hydrochloride (Brevibloc®) passes through breast milk in humans. However, because the medication is usually used in emergency or surgical situations, the benefits of the medication for the mother usually outweigh the possible risks for a breastfeeding infant.
 
While no research has been done to see if esmolol passes through breast milk, the medication is so short-acting that it is not expected to cause significant problems for an infant when used by a breastfeeding mother. Additionally, because the medication is used in emergency or surgical situations, it is unlikely that a woman would even be capable of breastfeeding soon after taking the medication.
 
If your healthcare provider decides that it is okay for you to breastfeed while taking esmolol, your infant should be monitored to make sure that no serious problems occur.
 

Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Breastfeeding and Esmolol

You should talk with your healthcare provider about esmolol and breastfeeding.
 Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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