Summary of Use during Lactation

Because there is no published experience with molindone during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents are preferred.

Drug Levels

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

Galactorrhea has been reported with molindone.[1,2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3-5] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[6] The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone

References

1.

Kahn JL. More on galactorrhea associated with molindone. Am J Psychiatry 1979;136:1617-8. Letter. PMID: 574364. [PubMed: 574364]

2.

Wesp CE Jr, Annitto W, Feinsod R. Galactorrhea associated with molindone. Am J Psychiatry. 1979;136:975. [PubMed: 572143]

3.

Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med. 1972;130:349–54. [PubMed: 4560178]

4.

Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34:62–6. [PubMed: 5061776]

5.

Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279–86. [PubMed: 1259521]

6.

Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: Mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63 Suppl 4:56–62. [PubMed: 11913677]

Substance Name

Molindone

CAS Registry Number

7416-34-4

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antipsychotic Agents