Alupent and Breastfeeding

No research has been conducted on Alupent and breastfeeding. As a result, it is not known if Alupent is passed through breast milk. However, because Alupent usually occurs in very low levels in the blood, it is thought that Alupent is probably safe for most women who are breastfeeding. If your healthcare provider prescribes Alupent while you are breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your nursing baby.

An Overview of Alupent and Breastfeeding

Alupent is no longer available in the United States. The manufacturer of this medication decided to stop making it in order to comply with regulations concerning chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that may deplete the ozone layer. Alupent was rarely used anymore; had it been more popular, the manufacturer probably would have chosen to reformulate the drug without CFCs, instead of just discontinuing it.
 
It is not known if Alupent® (metaproterenol sulfate) is passed through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer of Alupent recommends that healthcare providers consider the possible risks and benefits before recommending Alupent to a woman who is breastfeeding. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know, prior to taking Alupent, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding.
 

What Does the Research Say About Alupent and Breastfeeding?

No research has been done to see if Alupent is passed through breast milk. Because the usual recommended dosage of Alupent results in very low levels of the medication in the blood, it is unlikely that Alupent would be passed through breast milk in high enough levels to cause problems. It is thought that Alupent is probably safe for most women who are breastfeeding. If your healthcare provider recommends taking Alupent while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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