Questions about a medication

Meagan · 03-02-2003, 10:16 AM

I was prescribed labetalol for my high BP. I am not sure if I can still take it and nurse. I REALLY want to keep breastfeeding if at all possible. I take the meds twice a day. It is 100mg dose.
This is the info I found on it.

Small amounts of labetalol (approximately 0.004% of the maternal dose) are excreted in human milk.

The peak effects of single oral doses of labetalol HCl occur within 2 to 4 hours. The duration of effect depends upon dose, lasting at least 8 hours following single oral doses of 100 mg.

Source

Maddie nurses twice a day..in the morning and then at night. I was thinking that if I took the meds at night after she is done and then again in the morning after she is done she will get the least amount if any. I will call the doctor tomorrow but I would really like to know now cause she is wanting to nurse!

I asked my MIL who is a nurse and she said for me to quit but she does not think I should be nursing anyways. And I am afraid I will get the same response from any doctor I ask!

**Elaine** · 03-02-2003, 10:21 AM

http://www.kellymom.com/meds/aap-approved-meds.html

This med is on the AAP approved medication list!

Roxanna30135 · 03-02-2003, 11:05 AM

Meagan .. if you can take this medication and it not harm your baby in your belly .... it will not hurt Maddie!

KJBBDOLL · 03-02-2003, 11:08 AM

Exactly what i was thinking, Roxanna!!! GMTA

Elaine, thank you for that list. I am going to bookmark it, it will come in handy one day.

Meagan · 03-02-2003, 07:58 PM

Yeah I am so glad! It has been a tough few days. She keeps taking her pacifier out of her mouth and trying to lift up my shirt and cries when I tell her no.

And now she is sick and her baby was missing..porr girl has had a tough few days.

THANKS ELAINE!!!

Liz&NicksMom · 03-02-2003, 08:09 PM

awwwwwww

KJBBDOLL · 03-03-2003, 08:00 AM

Poor girl! Well i am glad that you can nurse her now.

AnnieQ · 03-04-2003, 08:36 PM

Meagan

*KimmerRN* · 03-05-2003, 10:25 AM

Hmm.... I just checked my Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide (2001) and it says that Labetelol is Pregnancy category C - per Lippencott's -- it is the FDA Pregnancy Category: "Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans; the benefits from the use of the drug in pregnant women many be acceptable despite its potential risks. or There are no animal reproduction studies and no adequate studies in humans. " (pg. 1342)

It also notes at the end of the page that, "Regardless of the designated Pregnancy Category or presumed safety, no drug should be administered during pregnancy unless it is clearly needed."

I don't mean to scare you, but I want you to have all of the information available. The Pharmokinetics section of the Labetelol section also states that it crosses the placenta & enters breast milk.

I'm sure if you have taken it before, it is OK. I'm sure if your MD prescribed it, it's OK. And it is on the approved list for pregnancy. I just wanted to give you the information published in the drug guide. I apologise if I've upset you -- I sure don't mean to. But part of my training is to teach & I want to give you the correct information.

Meagan · 03-06-2003, 07:36 AM

Yes I know it is not something wonderful to take during pregnancy. But I have taken it will all three pregnancies now. And I would say that the kids are normal (although sometimes I wonder????? LOL ) I am still working on weaning Maddie because I think I shoudl have her done before I start with the other one. We are down to one nursing a day and that is not much at all...