Is It Safe to Take Baclofen While Breastfeeding?
Baclofen (
Lioresal®) passes through breast milk in humans. Therefore, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking this drug while breastfeeding.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies suggest that baclofen passes through breast milk in small amounts, but probably not enough to cause problems for a nursing baby. Nonetheless, if your healthcare provider recommends taking baclofen while breastfeeding, make sure to watch for any side effects in your child, such as excessive drowsiness.
It should be noted that intrathecal baclofen (in which the medication is delivered directly to the spinal cord via a pump) results in much lower blood levels of the drug and, therefore, probably much lower levels of baclofen in the breast milk, compared with the tablets. Therefore, intrathecal baclofen is probably safer than oral baclofen for use when breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers baclofen to generally be compatible with breastfeeding.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about breastfeeding and baclofen.
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.
