Summary of Use during Lactation

Based on minimal excretion of other phenothiazine derivatives, it appears that occasional short-term use of prochlorperazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting poses little risk to the breastfed infant.

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 prochlorperazine.[1] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[2][3][4] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[5] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

References

1.

Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. [PubMed: 14448766]

2.

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]

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

Prochlorperazine

CAS Registry Number

58-38-8

Drug Class

• Breast Feeding
• Lactation
• Antiemetics
• Phenothiazines
• Gastrointestinal Agents